Hadid’s cannes reign: from schiaparelli to saint-tropez goth

Bella Hadid silenced any lingering doubts about her red carpet prowess at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, delivering a season of looks that definitively cemented her status as ‘Queen of Cannes.’ But her post-festival journey has proven equally compelling, revealing a shift in aesthetic and a surprisingly subversive approach to summer style.

A calculated retreat, a darker edge

After ten years of commanding the Croisette with high-octane, often boundary-pushing, designs – think a Schiaparelli gown that playfully defied nudity rules and a striking Elie Saab – Hadid and stylist Mimi Cuttrell opted for a more curated collection of archival pieces. The icy blue Marc Jacobs 2003 zip-up dress and the sparkling Elie Saab numbers provided a solid foundation, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to previous maximalist choices. It wasn’t a dramatic departure, but a considered one, reflecting a newfound confidence and a willingness to embrace a more relaxed approach.

But the real story emerged as Hadid traded the French Riviera for the sun-drenched shores of Saint-Tropez. Spotted alongside her brother, Anwar, the model unveiled a decidedly unexpected aesthetic: a dark, almost gothic summer vibe. This wasn’t the polished, sun-kissed glamour typically associated with the area; it was something altogether different.

Her Saint-Tropez ensemble, a near-sheer black v-neck maxi dress from Massimo Dutti, paired with black thong sandals and a carefully constructed layering of gold jewelry – a Chelsea Girl purple-stoned ring, a Chanel Gripoix cross pendant necklace, and a Shay Pave diamond pinky ring – immediately caught the eye. A Massimo Dutti woven croissant bag completed the look, subtly hinting at a comfortable, yet chic, lifestyle. Anwar mirrored her aesthetic with a black scoopneck vest, extra-long cargo shorts (a trend already generating buzz on Vogue’s radar), and black sneakers, signaling a shared sensibility.

This shift isn’t simply about a change of scenery. It’s a deliberate evolution, showcasing Hadid’s ability to adapt and reinterpret trends, moving beyond the predictable and embracing a more layered, personal style. The move away from the dramatic, often custom-made pieces of Cannes feels like a strategic recalibration.

The image of Hadid, arm-in-arm with Anwar, amidst the pastel hues and yacht-filled landscapes of Saint-Tropez is a striking contrast to the explosive looks she presented on the Cannes red carpet. It’s a reminder that even the most celebrated figures in Fashion – and Hadid undeniably holds that position – are capable of surprising us with their choices.

The Queen of Cannes has, it seems, found a new, darker, and arguably more intriguing, realm of vacation Fashion. And Dua Lipa’s reign as the undisputed queen of the South of France? It’s facing a serious challenger.