On the red carpet
By Cerelia Lim |
May 30, 2010, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE annual Cannes Film Festival celebrates the best of film. As an art form that captures motion and time, it has been a platform where the masters of the craft toast the success of films done well.
In its 63rd year, the festival ended last week and "Chongqing Blues," a film about a sea captain's realization of the impact of his repeated absence on his deceased 25-year-old son, was the only Chinese film competing for the top prize Palme d'or Award.
During this star-studded event, celebrities and industry artisans walked the red carpet dressed in statement outfits. Many chose to evoke the glamor of the art, flaunting billowing gowns and tuxedos. Though a few opted for modern garb such as the little black dress and pant suits, most of the female attendees felt that the traditional gown was befitting of one of the world's most prestigious film competitions.
Closer to home, the female starlet of "Chongqing Blues," Fan Bingbing, arrived on opening day dressed in a "dragon robe." Her choice of this outfit drew heated discussion among Chinese Netizens. Some were glad that she chose to present her heritage on the global stage, but others felt that it was too ostentatious and tacky.During the Cannes Film Festival's 11 days, the female star of "Chongqing Blues," Fan Bingbing, graced the event with several garments from different fashion houses. Among the Elie Saab and Armani Prive gowns, a Chinese imperial-inspired gown stood out among the rest.
Designed by Laurence Hsu, this gown took 30 tailors 11 days to make. Calling it "Blessings from the East," he hoped that it would bring her luck for a successful career.
Although the gown's embroidery is a close replica of the imperial robes worn by Chinese emperors, the toga neckline and puffed sleeves give it a modern touch. The scooped bust lined with blue contrasts well against her fair skin.
Fan's decision to keep her neck free of accessories was a good step to take the focus away from this statement gown. What we liked about the get-up was that Fan kept the makeup clear and simple, sweeping her hair back to allow the sharpness of her jaw line to accentuate a scooped bust line.
For the closing ceremony, she opted for a stunning Elie Saab Spring 2010 gown. Although slightly modified, the beautiful green and purple leaf prints gave her a healthy glow. However, what needed more explanation was the Star Wars Princess Leia hairstyle. Was she trying to compliment that with the star shaped silver clutch?
At the premiere of "Of Men and Gods," a film about the resolve of eight French Christian monks living in harmony with their Muslim brothers during the 1990s, Fan's choice of this Armani Prive Fall 2008 gown was a sharp contrast to the seriousness of the film.
With her pouted red lips and conifer hair, it evoked a sense of Old Hollywood glamor. Seldom seen on the red carpet, its train was attached to the back of the gown, creating a voluminous bottom.
Gliding down the aisle in an Elie Saab 2009 Couture gown, Fan epitomized the look most brides would want for their big day -- demure and classy.
This is a difficult gown to pull off. With the white tulle and organza, it runs the risk of looking too bridal for a film festival. Nonetheless, we wonder if it was Fan's response to questions posed in "Biutiful" which explores the complexities of life. The film's male protagonist did not want to lose his love, his last breadth of sanity, but life forces him in another direction. One of the best ways to honor a late designer is to wear his creations on the runway. Australian actress Cate Blanchett chose to pay tribute to late British designer Alexander McQueen at the opening. She wore a regal and romantic black, off shoulder, ankle sweeping gown from McQueen's pre-fall 2010 collection. The side-gathered gown featured a royal metallic eagle motif across the bodice, with chains of roses and ribbons embroidered on the skirt. It made a statement on its own against her luminous skin.Juliette Binoche, who won the Best Actress Award for her role in "Certified Copy," kept everything low key. The film centers upon forced separations, a Tuscan love story exploring the marriage between an antique dealer (Binoche) and a writer. One of France's most famous actresses, who eschewed Botox and refused to bow to the Hollywood limelight, she wore a simple Celine column gown to the award ceremony. Her decision to pair it with a Cartier platinum, diamond and onyx Panthere necklace was a perfect accessory to her pure white dress. As with straight gowns, it is important to use a belt to break the color and shape monotony so we loved how she used a simple bronze belt to cinch her mid waist.
In its 63rd year, the festival ended last week and "Chongqing Blues," a film about a sea captain's realization of the impact of his repeated absence on his deceased 25-year-old son, was the only Chinese film competing for the top prize Palme d'or Award.
During this star-studded event, celebrities and industry artisans walked the red carpet dressed in statement outfits. Many chose to evoke the glamor of the art, flaunting billowing gowns and tuxedos. Though a few opted for modern garb such as the little black dress and pant suits, most of the female attendees felt that the traditional gown was befitting of one of the world's most prestigious film competitions.
Closer to home, the female starlet of "Chongqing Blues," Fan Bingbing, arrived on opening day dressed in a "dragon robe." Her choice of this outfit drew heated discussion among Chinese Netizens. Some were glad that she chose to present her heritage on the global stage, but others felt that it was too ostentatious and tacky.During the Cannes Film Festival's 11 days, the female star of "Chongqing Blues," Fan Bingbing, graced the event with several garments from different fashion houses. Among the Elie Saab and Armani Prive gowns, a Chinese imperial-inspired gown stood out among the rest.
Designed by Laurence Hsu, this gown took 30 tailors 11 days to make. Calling it "Blessings from the East," he hoped that it would bring her luck for a successful career.
Although the gown's embroidery is a close replica of the imperial robes worn by Chinese emperors, the toga neckline and puffed sleeves give it a modern touch. The scooped bust lined with blue contrasts well against her fair skin.
Fan's decision to keep her neck free of accessories was a good step to take the focus away from this statement gown. What we liked about the get-up was that Fan kept the makeup clear and simple, sweeping her hair back to allow the sharpness of her jaw line to accentuate a scooped bust line.
For the closing ceremony, she opted for a stunning Elie Saab Spring 2010 gown. Although slightly modified, the beautiful green and purple leaf prints gave her a healthy glow. However, what needed more explanation was the Star Wars Princess Leia hairstyle. Was she trying to compliment that with the star shaped silver clutch?
At the premiere of "Of Men and Gods," a film about the resolve of eight French Christian monks living in harmony with their Muslim brothers during the 1990s, Fan's choice of this Armani Prive Fall 2008 gown was a sharp contrast to the seriousness of the film.
With her pouted red lips and conifer hair, it evoked a sense of Old Hollywood glamor. Seldom seen on the red carpet, its train was attached to the back of the gown, creating a voluminous bottom.
Gliding down the aisle in an Elie Saab 2009 Couture gown, Fan epitomized the look most brides would want for their big day -- demure and classy.
This is a difficult gown to pull off. With the white tulle and organza, it runs the risk of looking too bridal for a film festival. Nonetheless, we wonder if it was Fan's response to questions posed in "Biutiful" which explores the complexities of life. The film's male protagonist did not want to lose his love, his last breadth of sanity, but life forces him in another direction. One of the best ways to honor a late designer is to wear his creations on the runway. Australian actress Cate Blanchett chose to pay tribute to late British designer Alexander McQueen at the opening. She wore a regal and romantic black, off shoulder, ankle sweeping gown from McQueen's pre-fall 2010 collection. The side-gathered gown featured a royal metallic eagle motif across the bodice, with chains of roses and ribbons embroidered on the skirt. It made a statement on its own against her luminous skin.Juliette Binoche, who won the Best Actress Award for her role in "Certified Copy," kept everything low key. The film centers upon forced separations, a Tuscan love story exploring the marriage between an antique dealer (Binoche) and a writer. One of France's most famous actresses, who eschewed Botox and refused to bow to the Hollywood limelight, she wore a simple Celine column gown to the award ceremony. Her decision to pair it with a Cartier platinum, diamond and onyx Panthere necklace was a perfect accessory to her pure white dress. As with straight gowns, it is important to use a belt to break the color and shape monotony so we loved how she used a simple bronze belt to cinch her mid waist.
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