All roads led to Cannes once again for the Annual Film Festival that has become synonymous with award-winning movies, scintillating performances, red carpet appearances and most importantly drool-worthy fashion statements. There might be very few genuine enthusiasts who are keen on the movie-watching experience because for most of the glitterati the event is one massive networking opportunity. The world’s most beautiful people rarely descend onto one place at the same time and Cannes is their playground every year.

Needless to say most of us fashion watchers cannot wait for the festival because we’re watching out for our favourite stars to flex their sartorial muscles. Armed with heavyweight designer labels, pricey brand endorsements and a coterie of staff to ensure they look flawless and fabulous, there is no doubt that the competition to out do one another is fierce. Preparations for looks for each event begin months in advance with endless man-hours spent researching and perfecting each and every aspect.

As always some celebrities shone ultra bright in the race towards the best dressed lists while others left much to be desired from their ensembles. This year the usual Indian glamour squad comprising Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai representing international beauty conglomerate L’Oreal were in full attendance but there were also some refreshing additions from Bollywood. Priyanka Chopra while not strictly just Bollywood anymore was present with husband Nick Jonas. As were Kangana Ranaut, Diana Penty and Huma Qureshi, each promoting their own projects.

The additions certainly made for more interesting observations especially since each lady embraced a distinct style aesthetic. Instead of giving a play by play of each and every look, we thought it would be interesting to categorise their looks and rate them from best to worst depending on the mood and tone of the event. As many of you might be aware, the Cannes Film Festival isn’t just about the red carpet appearances. There are a myriad of activities that happen during the festival which range from screenings to talks to dinners and parties. Each with its own unique and unspoken dress code that is left to be demystified by the stars in attendance, sprouting some rather interesting results.

Haute Couture

The most obvious is the Cannes Red Carpet that is often splashed across all media outlets as soon as the festival kicks off. The event is one big fashion extravaganza and onlookers are treated to a barrage of immaculately coiffed and graciously poised beauties posing for the shutterbugs. The idea is to stand out and that means making some rather bold fashion statements.

Best

This round goes to Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty. Dressed in a voluminous neon green Giambattisvalli creation topped with a pastel pink bow, Deepika definitely turned a few heads with her jaw-dropping choice. Many found the ruffle and tulle gown a bit OTT but when at Cannes it’s always about going big or going home. By comparision Diana Penty chose a safer yet utterly luscious Nedret Taciroglu strapless gown complete with hand embroidered lace and feathers. The multiple layers added to the drama of the outfit and certainly made Diana look like she belonged on the prestigious red carpet.

Deepika Padukone In Giambattisvalli & Diana Penty In Nedret Taciroglu

Worst

Cannes veteran Aishwarya Rai Bachchan seems to either have a fashion blind team working on her looks or refuses to step out of her comfort zone. Over the years she has had more fashion misses than hits and this year was the same. Dressed in an extremely futuristic Jean-Louis Sabaji Couture creation, Aishwarya attempted something experimental but failed miserably. The gown itself had a very clear avant-garde vibe but the rest of Aishwarya’s look was a total mismatch. The tame hair-do and make up made what could have been an extremely edgy outing, fall totally flat. Another fashion disaster was Priyanka Chopra who looked like she was stuck in 1990s Bollywood in her Roberto Cavali tube gown. The ombre metallic accents with the dropped waist and thigh high slits looked totally dated especially when coupled with the equally uninspiring hair and makeup.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan In Jean-Louis Sabaji & Priyanka Chopra In Roberto Cavali

Cocktail

It’s not all flamboyant gowns and statement pieces at Cannes, as there are plenty of occasions for the attendees to dress in far more accessible fashion. Well as accessible as a few million dollars worth of merch in outfits and accessories can get. There was some truly stand out cocktail dressing moments both ultra gorgeous and ultra disastrous.

Best

Diana Penty wowed everyone once again with her penchant for putting a spin on the conventional. Seen in a black jumpsuit by Celia Kritharioti featuring a massive baby pink bow, Diana definitely scored high on the fashion stakes. Close on her heels was style maven Sonam Kapoor in a custom made Ashi studio ruffle dress. The fit and flare midi dress with an interesting strapless to backless detail was certainly one of the most memorable looks of the day. Both Diana and Sonam expertly worked with basic garments styled with modernist silhouettes. Making both their looks instantly relatable to their millennial audience.

Diana Penty In Celia Kritharioti & Sonam Kapoor In Ashi Studio

Worst

Both Aishwarya and Priyanka once again were total fashion duds when it came to cocktail dressing. In her last appearance of the festival Aishwarya wore a bit of Victorian and tulle mash up. The slited skirt and fitted jacquard bodice looked like something out of a low budget novelty costume store rather than the vintage vibe that might have been intended. The boring hair and makeup yet again did nothing to salvage this major fail. Priyanka Chopra who is so adept at modern contemporary concoctions surprisingly turned out in a rather cold Fendi number. The mauve shade coupled with the dated scalloped embellishments did nothing for her colouring or body. The slick back hair and too matte make up were equally cringe-worthy.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan In Separates & Priyanka Chopra In Fendi

Casual

The Cannes Film Festival has plenty of events in the day as well so unfortunately our divas don’t have the luxury of sleeping in. It’s wake up and make up time for them each morning and they need to be in their casual best. Obviously the term ‘casual’ is a bit of a misnomer as there is nothing casual about making an appearance in front of thousands of people every time you step out. But the daytime ensembles are certainly more dressed down and relaxed than the ones in the evening so they’re in a way more casual than the rest.

Best

The French Rivera is known for pristine whites when the sun is out so it comes as no surprise that many celebrities are often spotted in the ethereal shade. Both of our best casually dressed ladies were in head to toe white but with totally different iterations. Sonam Kapoor channelled her inner girl boss in a Ralph and Russo pantsuit with an attached flowing train. She styled her look with a true Indo-fusion twist by wearing a layered pearl and emerald neckpiece and dainty earrings. Deepika Padukone on the other hand did a complete u-turn and went with an extremely boho chic vibe. Dressed in an all-white outfit by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini she wore a sheer shirt with a lace bralette and pinstripe trousers.

Sonam Kapoor In Ralph and Russo & Deepika Padukone In Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Worst

With Aishwarya Rai’s casual look also totally missing the mark we wonder if it’s time for her to consider changing her stylist. Sporting denim on denim by Falguni and Shane Peacock accented by their signature silver embroidery, Aishwarya’s look while on trend still looked horribly out dated because of the shoddy styling. The haphazard curls, red peep toes, white cami and reflector sunnies would have looked more appropriate on a laid-back holiday resort rather than an International film festival. Huma Qureshi made a similar fashion faux pax in a Ralph Lauren jumpsuit. The monochrome floral printed outfit with a matching wrap looked like it was stolen from the vacation closet of a middle aged Indian aunty and was definitely not worthy of an appearance at Cannes.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan In Falguni and Shane Peacock & Huma Qureshi In Ralph Lauren

Indian

The India Pavilion, which is focussed on showcasing the talents of upcoming filmmakers from the country, has its own unique rules of dressing. There is no doubt that the expectations from all the Indian celebrities in attendance were extremely high especially when they would be representing their own country on a global platform. And while most of them did splendidly there were definitely a few questionable choices.

Best

Sonam Kapoor proved that no one could do Indian couture better than her as she looked like a regal queen in an Abu Jaani and Sandeep Khosla saree gown. Everything about the look screamed royalty and finesse, from the intricate embroidery to the exaggerated shoulder pad. Diana Penty was seen in a similar silhouette but with a more classic feel. Her bright white Amit Aggarwal saree with a waist belt and center slit was the perfect example of modern Indian fashion blended with western sensibilities.

Sonam Kapoor In Abu Jaani and Sandeep Khosla & Diana Penty In Amit Aggarwal

Worst

Kangana Ranaut tried her hand at quite a few experimental styles at Cannes this year and one of them was a tad bit gimmicky. She was seen in a custom designed Falguni and Shane Peacock peplum blouse paired with a gold kanjeervaram saree from Madhurya creations and purple velvet gloves. The intention behind the unconventional look might have been sound but it somehow did not translate into the final ensemble. Huma Qureshi added another faux pas to her list with a white custom designed Varun Bahl gown with a cape jacket. The sheer panels and embroidery did nothing to flatter her frame while the silhouette itself would have been better suited to a wedding.

Kangana Ranaut In Falguni and Shane Peacock with Madhurya Creations & Huma Qureshi In Varun Bahl

Sources: Pinkvilla.com, iFairer.com, Timesofindia.com, Architecturaldigest.in, Vogue.in, Dnaindia.com, Indiatoday.in, Bollywoodlife.com