Celebrity Style
Beyoncé
Photo: Getty Images
Voila! The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has officially kicked off in France today. Over the next two weeks, Hollywood royalty will descend upon the Croisette for the glamorous affair—premiering a variety of films alongside the scenic Mediterranean views. Even better yet? The striking designer red carpet looks that come along with it: The festival, after all, has a history of delivering memorable outfits, whether stars are posing on the official step and repeat, or serving off-duty fashions coming to and from the airport.
In honor of this year’s event, then, we pondered: What did the Cannes carpet look like 20 years ago? A quick flashback to 2006 uncovered some standout red carpet moments that are worth bringing back. I mean, which other Cannes year had Beyoncé striking dramatic, Dreamgirls-worthy poses on the beach? Or Avril Lavigne arriving in striped pop-punk couture?
Michelle Yeoh in 2006.
In the early-aughts, the Cannes carpet revolved around all things glitz and glamour: Formal evening attire—almost rigidly so—was the name of the game. The 2006 Cannes still had an extremely strict dress code, after all: Attendees had to adhere to rules such as no flat shoes for women, and mandatory dinner jackets for men. As a result, many of the A-list guests leaned into the expected red carpet standards: Sweeping gowns and tailored tuxedos dominated the space.
Similar to the annual Oscars, stars played it safe-yet-chic. Actors like Michelle Yeoh arrived in a sweeping yellow chiffon gown; Beyoncé premiered Dreamgirls in a blue patterned halter dress from House of Deréon (her and Tina Knowles’s former line). It was less about bold statements or intriguing silhouettes, and more about looking refined and elegant—like playing the part of a true movie star. (Screen legends like Faye Dunaway even made a cameo on the 2006 Cannes carpet, too.)
Faye Dunaway in 2006.
20 years later, these classic and polished approaches to dressing are still very much a part of the Cannes experience—though the fashion mood has loosened up significantly. Nowadays, Cannes attendees have much more fun with their red carpet choices: The rules have softened, and stars are now encouraged to embrace individuality and more risk-taking on La Croisette.
Some notable recent hits that serve as a stark juxtaposition to the 2006 carpet? Kristen Stewart in her Chanel short suit, baseball cap, and socks-and heels—or Alexander Skarsgard in his unforgettable leather Saint Laurent wader boots, worn with the customary black tuxedo. Had these outfits been worn 20 years ago, they undoubtedly would have caused a stir—and yet today, they feel totally right. Because is the red carpet not for experimenting? Fashion shouldn’t be so serious!
A more daring look: Kristen Stewart, 2025.
A more daring look: Alexander Skarsgard, 2025.
What will this year’s Cannes hold, meanwhile? Our bet is on expecting a bit of that 2006 energy—Gowns! Diamonds! Trains!—with a heavy dose of 2026 flair (meaning, expect the unexpected as well). Until then, though, see more memorable moments from the 2006 Cannes Film Festival below, and see just how much the fashions have evolved over two decades.
Photo: Getty Images
Michelle Yeoh
Photo: Getty Images
Cate Blanchett
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Keanu Reeves
Photo: Getty Images
Beyoncé
Photo: Getty Images
Eva Longoria
Photo: Getty Images
Chloe Sevigny
Photo: Getty Images
Kerry Washington
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Halle Berry
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Avril Lavigne
Photo: Getty Images
Paris Hilton
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Kirsten Dunst
Photo: Getty Images
Penelope Cruz and Pedro Almodovar
Photo: Getty Images
Dita Von Teese
Photo: Getty Images
Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel
Photo: Getty Images
50 Cent
Photo: Getty Images
Eva Longoria
Photo: Getty Images
Cate Blanchett
Photo: Getty Images
Beyoncé
Photo: Getty Images
Claudia Schiffer
Photo: Getty Images
Sofia Coppola
Photo: Getty Images
Eva Herzigova
Photo: Getty Images
Diane Kruger
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Christian Allaire is the Senior Fashion and Style Writer at Vogue, where he covers celebrity style, red carpet fashion, trends, emerging designers, and more. He is particularly passionate about championing Indigenous stories and artists—a niche that reflects his own Ojibwe heritage, hailing from Nipissing First Nation in Canada. He regularly ... Read More