The hautest of couture

We have already seen some pretty epic red carpet events this year, but we all wait for the ritziest 11 days of movie screenings and red carpet premieres at the famous Cannes Film Festival. This glamorous and sophisticated annual event puts a show that is a league of its own in South of France, with celebrities taking the red carpet in the hautest of couture.

The Festival has a reputation for bringing out the extravagance in people and before the stars climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals, they stop to deliver style moments for the shutterbugs. The 72nd Cannes Film Festival this year kicked off on May 14 and will continue until the 25th of May.

Bigger is always better at Cannes, and this year we have seen the most breathtaking gowns, sharpest tuxedos, and prettiest column gowns. Everybody from Hollywood to Bollywood graced the red carpet event in some of the most enviable and stunning gowns. Among the Indian celebrities Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Diana Penty, Mallika Sherawat and Hina Khan wowed the onlookers with their appearance on the red carpet.

While the first day noticed gowns, capes, and high-slits sweeping the red carpet making the opening day a perfect amalgamation of cinephilia and fashion. The second day saw some fiery red outfits, flying drapes and long trains sweeping the red carpet. We also spotted multiple great giant dresses made of piles and piles of tulle. Here are some of the best looks from the Cannes red carpet to date.

Deepika Padukone has been on top of her fashion game at the event. She walked the red carpet in a neon green gown by Giambattisvalli that had ruffled tulle sleeves and a high-low tiered skirt with a long trail. A pale pink headscarf completed her quirky look. Shaleena Nathani made sure this look is impossible to ignore at the Pain and Glory premiere.

Elle Fanning on the first day of the fest looked radiant in a custom-made gown by Gucci featuring a plunging neckline, cape detail and layered skirt, which fell to the floor in a glamorous sweep and this look was put together by Samantha McMillen. Priyanka Chopra made her Cannes high-fashion moment in her strapless embellished Roberto Cavalli Couture gown with cascading train, plus Christian Louboutin pumps and Chopard jewelry at the Rocketman premiere. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas pulled off striking all-white ensembles while attending the premiere of Les Plus Belles Annees D'Une Vie. Priyanka wore a romantic ivory tulle Georges Hobeika dress, paired with stunning jewelry from Chopard. In keeping with the monochromatic vibes, Nick wears a dapper white suit. Meanwhile, Bella Hadid came dressed and looked ethereal in a white Dior gown that had a ruffled and tiered pretty tulle on it that added a touch of glamour. She completed her look with embellished heels by Christian Louboutin and diamonds by Bulgari at the premiere of Rocketman working the carpet as if it was her own personal runway.

Penélope Cruz looked stunning in a cape-sleeve drop waist ball gown with Atelier Swarovski earrings and ring at the Pain and Glory premiere. Julianne Moore arrived at the premiere of The Dead Don't Die in a strapless emerald Dior Haute Couture gown with ruched bodice and cape, which she accessorized with Chopard jewels.

Eva Longoria put her best foot forward at Cannes, looking absolutely drop dead gorgeous, to the opening ceremony and premiere of The Dead Don't Die in a custom Alberta Ferretti blush gown with sequin embroidery, draped bustier, and thigh-high slit. Selena Gomez was on a roll! Gomez has been spotted all over Cannes in too many stunning ensembles to count, but this bustier top and high-waisted quilted skirt certainly stood out as a crowd favorite. In a press conference at the film festival, she also gave a memorable comment about social media's effect on her generation.

Deepika Padukone strutted the red carpet in a custom-made gown by Peter Dundas. It had exaggerated pointed sleeves and an oversized black bow, a sweeping trail, and a plunging neckline, making it one of our favorite looks of the night. Kangana Ranaut looked no less than a real-life princess in a white embellished gown by Michael Cinco.

The strapless gown had a mermaid silhouette that showed off her curves and hugged her body in all the right places. Crushing on this look! Huma Qureshi graced the event in a blazer sequined dress from Balmain and we honestly, couldn't get enough of this look. We love how she matched her Stella McCartney heels with the buttons on her outfit.

Who according to you was the best dressed on the red carpet? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram tag @thehansindia and @deepikasarode with #Cannes2019

-The writer is a fashion designer and founder of PikaLove, a sustainable fashion label