Cannes Film Festival 2012 - Part One

Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes Film Festival 2012
Opening Ceremony

The French Rivera was illuminated today with a flurry of international stars, all to grace the Cannes 2012 red carpet. This is the 65th annual film festival held in Cannes, from which we can expect two weeks of glamourous gowns. Here are the most notable looks from the opening ceremony, which took place earlier this evening.

Graceful Dames. 90's supermodel Eva Herzigova looked radiant in an ivory crystal embellished Dolce & Gabbana gown with demure three-quarter sleeves and retro hair to match. French actress Bérénice Béjo was a picture of elegance in a vivid red pleated silk gown with flowing skirt by Louis Vuitton.

Pretty Pastels. German actress Diane Kruger, who is part of the Cannes jury this year, stunned in this minted green gown. Her sublime one-shouldered silk dress with sheer fabric cape-like effect is by Giambattista Valli. Indian beauty Freida Pinto opted for something a little more whimsical, in a delightful gown by Michael Angel. It features a multi-hued kaleidoscopic bodice drenched in crystals, along with silver metal belt that appends to a pale rosé pink skirt with draped peplum detail and high slit. Silver Louis Vuitton sandals and a beaded clutch bag complete her look.

Block Colours. Jessica Chastain played it down in a soft pink silk faille gown with low-v-neck by Alexander McQueen. The pockets suggested a more casual side to her look. French actress Virginie Ledoyan looked splendid in an emerald green Elie Saab column gown with draped strapless bodice. Although simple, the impact lies in the rich colour and fine design. Lana del Rey picked out a black Alberta Ferretti gown with inverse scalloped neckline and tiered skirt. Dolores Chaplin brought a refreshing splash of chartreuse to the red carpet, looking regal in a drape-pleated Lanvin gown with cut-outs on the neckline and thigh high split.

Polished Metal. Tilda Swinton, who is by far the most active ambassador for Haider Akermann, wore a look adapted from the designer's Fall 2012 collection. The sheeny bronzed gown shows off a lovely origami folded bodice. But I can't help but think this was not the right colour for her. Jane Fonda looks unbelievable at 74, the actress was decked in a lacquered gold criss-cross sequined gown with sheer sleeves, by Atelier Versace.

Train of Thought. Couture maiden Fan Bing Bing made her customary appearance at the festival's opening, donning an exquisite Christopher Bu gown with long train. Her dress is imprinted with an attractive Chinese-inspired design. Eva Longoria gives us our first memorable Cannes fashion moment for 2012, as she impressed the crowd in this elaborate pale grey gown by Marchesa. The dress displays an embroidered illusion bodice and slopes down into a tulle-smothered train.

I must admit I am slightly disappointed not to see more dramatic couture looks at the opening ceremony. I would pick Eva Herzigova's dresse as my immediate favourite...but I have yet to be wowed. I will be covering the fashion from the festival over its course, so please stay tuned. How do you think these gowns fare?