Nuevo Culture

Isabelle Huppert Steals the Show at Cannes in a Deceptively Simple Gown

Isabelle Huppert’s status as one of the greatest actors of today is, it’s safe to say, sacrosanct—but over the past few years, Huppert has clearly become more comfortable with showing her offbeat eye for fashion on the red carpet too. And is there any better setting to show off your style prowess than at a glitzy Cannes premiere? 

So it comes as little surprise that last night Huppert stole the show while attending the premiere of the latest film from her friend and regular collaborator François Ozon, Everything Went Fine. Working with her long-time stylist Jonathan Huguet, Huppert hit the Croisette in a black Balenciaga dress that appeared cool and classic on the surface, but slowly revealed itself to have a few unexpected—and surprisingly subversive—details. (A little like one of Huppert’s most memorable performances, you could argue.)

While the long-sleeve, form-fitting black dress fell comfortably within the Cannes dress codes, the slit ran all the way up to the waistline, exposing a pair of Balenciaga’s infamous thigh-high stretch-satin knife boots in a matching shade of black. To finish the look, Huppert opted for diamond bracelets worn over the sleeves, glitzy hooped earrings, and black sunglasses to protect her retinas from the blinding chaos of paparazzi flashes, naturally. 

It’s also worth noting that Huppert’s choice of designer came mere hours after Balenciaga’s creative director, Demna Gvasalia, debuted his first couture collection for the house to a rapturous reception. Huppert may be on the cutting-edge of cinema, working with some of the world’s greatest auteurs in the early stages of their careers, but her eye for style is equally sharp. 

It’s hard to put your finger on what exactly it is about Isabelle Huppert’s style that makes a chic and classic red carpet look feel larger than life. Among a sea of frothy ballgowns, her outfit felt like the night’s boldest look. Perhaps it’s just—as the French might say—a certain je ne sais quoi?