Cannes Film Festival's most iconic and outrageous looks from daringly high leg slits and plunging necklines to see-through gowns and wacky silhouettes

Every year Cannes Film Festival attracts a host of glamorous stars from around the world, all eager to put their best fashion foot forward on the red carpet.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera, the prestigious annual event sees everyone from movie stars to models to influencers, pulling out all the stops with their looks to stand out from the crowd.

As a result, the festival has seen its fair share of jaw-dropping outfits over the years, with several daring ensembles getting people talking as much as the films.

From risqué dresses that leave little to the imagination to outlandish silhouettes that command attention, the Cannes red carpet has been host to a number of iconic looks over the past 77 years.

As the 2024 Cannes Film Festival kicks off this week, MailOnline has looked back on the most memorable fashion moments to ever grace the event.

Madonna (1991)

Madonna ensured all eyes were on her for the premiere of her film at the 1991 festival in her now most recognisable look, a white cone-shaped bra, designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier

Never one to turn down an opportunity to make a bold and daring statement, Madonna ensured all eyes were on her for the premiere of her film at the 1991 festival.

Arriving on the red carpet for her documentary, In Bed With Madonna, the singer draped herself in a long pink kimono.

She then dropped the robe to reveal her now most recognisable look, a white cone-shaped bra, designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Having only made its first appearance the year before on her Blond Ambition Tour, the famous cone bra certainly made an impression at Cannes.

Madonna teamed it with a matching pair of high-waisted satin shorts to showcase her toned legs, as well as dangling gold earrings and a classic red lip.

Cameron Diaz (2002)

 In 2002, Cameron Diaz left little to the imagination at the Cannes film premiere of Gangs of New York, sporting a sparkly one-shouldered gown that was completely sheer

In 2002, Cameron Diaz left little to the imagination at the Cannes film premiere of Gangs of New York.

The actress dared to bare all in a sparkly one-shouldered gown that was completely sheer, showing off her incredible figure and black underwear.

But the A-lister took the already racy look to new even more daring heights, with a thigh-high slit, that flashed a glimpse at her long legs. 

Irina Shayk (2023)

Irina Shayk proved why models deserve a place on the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival with her incredible look last year, which showed of her chiselled abs

Irina Shayk proved why models deserve a place on the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival with her incredible look last year.

The Russian showed off her incredibly chiselled abs in a low-waisted leather maxi skirt at the Firebrand (Le Jeu De La Reine) premiere.

She added a criss-crossing bra that barely contained her ample cleavage, while ensuring every inch of her toned torso was exposed.

Bjork (2000)

Björk showed her propensity for eccentric and unconventional red carpet looks at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival in a dramatic pink organza dress by Marjan Pejoski

A year before her infamous swan dress at the 2001 Oscars, Björk teased her propensity for eccentric and unconventional red carpet looks at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.

The Icelandic singer arrived at the premiere for her film, Dancer in the Dark, in an eye-catching bright pink dress, with dramatic organza concertina-style skirt.

The outfit - designed by Marjan Pejoski who also created the swan dress - also boasted voluminous sheer sleeves and sequinned floral detailing.

In true Björk fashion, she made sure to elevate the look with zany accessories, with blue flower adorned shoes and a purse shaped like a polar bear.

Bella Hadid (2016)

One of Bella's most show-stopping outfits was at the premiere of The Unknown Girl in 2016, where she wore a red silk gown with a daringly high slit that upstaged everyone at Cannes

If there's one star who can be guaranteed to cause a stir with their red carpet looks at Cannes Film Festival, it's Bella Hadid.

One of the model's most show-stopping outfits was at the premiere of The Unknown Girl (La Fille Inconnue) in 2016.

She sent temperatures soaring as she stepped out in a jaw-dropping red silk gown by Alexandra Gauthiere, that became one of Cannes' most-talked about looks.

As well as a plunging neckline, the racy dress boasted a daringly high side split that went all the way up to her waist and seemed to be mere millimetres away from a serious wardrobe malfunction.

The attention-grabbing gown saw the supermodel upstage everyone at the Film Festival and it went a long way to propelling her towards her now-global fame. 

Bella later admitted she had been 'scared' about the daring outfit, calling it the 'riskiest thing' she had worn.

Weeks after Cannes, she told Glamour: 'I'm usually very simple with my red carpet looks - I tend to just wear black - so this was a big risk. I was sort of scared about it, but I've had so much nice feedback which was exciting.'

When asked how she navigated the tricky problem of underwear in the revealing look, Bella revealed she was actually wearing an extremely high-waisted leotard.

She said: 'I didn't have a problem with it at all, it held itself together. If there was a little wind that would have been a problem but there wasn't. It all worked out!'

Bella Hadid (2021) 

Another of Bella's most memorable outfits came at the Tre Piani (Three Floors) premiere in 2021, as she turned heads in a plunging black dress with a huge necklace shaped like lungs

After her iconic 2016 Cannes outfit, Bella said at the time that she would probably 'tone down' her upcoming outfits.

However, she soon took back her words and continued to dominate red carpets at the film festival.

Among her striking Cannes ensembles, another of Bella's most memorable outfits came at the Tre Piani (Three Floors) premiere in 2021.

She turned heads in a very racy black dress with a plummeting scoop neck leaving her cleavage completely exposed.

But she covered her modesty with a huge gold necklace shaped like a pair of mental lungs, which hung from a chunky chain and drew all eyes.

Sharon Stone (1995) 

For the premiere of Unzipped at the 1995 festival, Sharon Stone matched her outfit to the film, in a silver gown which she pulled apart to reveal a sparkly romper underneath

For the premiere of Unzipped at the 1995 festival, Sharon Stone matched her outfit to the film - three decades before 'method dressing' became popularised by red carpet queen Zendaya.

The actress arrived in a silver gown with a dazzling bejewelled bodice, voluminous full skirt and matching belt to cinch her in at her tiny waist.

But she delightedly then pulled the skirt apart to reveal she was actually wearing a romper, allowing all eyes to see her incredible legs.

Completing the playful and provocative look with a glitzy diamond necklace, Sharon cemented her place as one of Cannes' best dressed.

Angelina Jolie (2009)

Long before her right leg went viral at the Oscars, Angelia Jolie flashed her lithe limb at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival for then-husband Brad Pitt's Inglourious Basterds premiere

Long before her right leg went viral at the Oscars, Angelia Jolie flashed her now-infamous lithe limb at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

The actress sparked media fanfare, a slew of memes and even a dedicated Twitter account after appearing at the 2012 Academy Awards in a black gown with her leg on full display from every angle.

And at the premiere for then-husband Brad Pitt's Inglourious Basterds at Cannes, Angelina put her best leg forward again in a backless rose Versace gown.

The dress boasted another daring thigh slit, that went so high it exposed almost the entirety of her long limbs as she graced the red carpet.

Chantel Jeffries (2018)

 Chantel Jeffries showed her bravery at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival in a very revealing and naval-baring silver gown for the screening of Everybody Knows

Chantel Jeffries showed her bravery at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival in a very revealing and naval-baring silver gown.

The DJ, 24, left little to the imagination at the screening of Everybody Knows, with her ample cleavage on full display in the metallic number.

The jaw-dropping dress was cinched around her enviable waist and criss-crossed over her chest, held together only by a dainty ring around her belly button.

Kendall Jenner (2018) 

At the 2018 festival, Kendall Jenner commanded attention at the Chopard Party in a barely-there Alexandre Vauthier minidress, that was completely see-through

Kendall Jenner has made numerous appearance at Cannes Film Festival and hasn't been afraid to push the boat out with daring looks.

When she returned in 2018, the model commanded attention at the Chopard Party in a barely-there Alexandre Vauthier minidress.

The black and gold number was covered in crystals and made of a draped sheer fabric, allowing a daring glimpse at her cleavage and underwear.

The short hem also showcased the reality star's incredibly long legs, and Kendall oozed confidence as she posed for the cameras.

Cicciolina (1988)

Ilona Staller, aka Cicciolina has never shied from controversy and at the 41st annual Cannes Festival in 1988, she once again caused quite a stir in a sheer dress with very revealing cutouts

A porn star, politician, and muse to ex-husband art legend, Jeff Koons, Ilona Staller, aka Cicciolina has never shied from controversy.

And at the 41st annual Cannes Festival in 1988, she once again caused quite a stir among onlookers.

She opted for a white transparent dress with very revealing cutouts across her chest and down her sides.

She added lacy stockings and matching evening gloves to complete the look and went one step further by carrying a stuffed Popple toy.

Tilda Swinton (2001)

Tilda Swinton made her mark at Cannes Film Festival in 2001 in a very eccentric and fruit patterned gown for the closing night

Tilda Swinton made her mark at Cannes Film Festival in 2001 in a very eccentric and fruit patterned gown for the closing night.

Known for her androgynous and eclectic style, the actress ensured she would not blend into the background with the eye-catching look.

The Christian Dior dress featured a voluminous tiered skirt, covered in pictures of different fruit and cocktails.

Tilda added a matching collared jacket over the top and a pair of evening gloves for added dramatic effect.

Eva Herzigova (2006)

 Eva Herzigová stunned onlookers in 2006 as she hit the red carpet at the premiere of The Da Vinci Code in an eye-catching orange silk gown by Anna Molinari with double leg slits

Eva Herzigová stunned onlookers in 2006 as she hit the red carpet at the premiere of The Da Vinci Code.

The Czech supermodel donned an eye-catching orange silk gown by Anna Molinari with sheer panels on the side.

And taking the daring look even further were double leg slits that stretched up to the top of her thighs, to show off her legs as she strutted her stuff.

Heidi Klum (2023)

Heidi Klum had a major underboob moment at the screening of French film La Passion De Dodin Bouffant during last year's festival in a daring yellow gown with cutouts

Heidi Klum had a major underboob moment at the screening of French film La Passion De Dodin Bouffant during last year's festival.

The supermodel put on a busty display in a daring yellow gown which featured a cut out detail along the chest to expose her cleavage.

The garment also featured a thigh-high leg split and a flowing cape which Heidi showed off as she walked the red carpet.

But the German beauty paid for her daring outfit choice, as she suffered a slight wardrobe malfunction.

Victoria Abril (1997)

At the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, Victoria Abril caused quite a stir as she revealed a cheeky twist to her blazer outfit

At the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, Victoria Abril caused quite a stir as she revealed a cheeky twist to her blazer outfit.

The Spanish actress arrived in a black blazer, over a collared shirt and red tie, while sporting a sparkly fedora.

However, she when turned around she showed her look was very much 'business in the front, party in the back'.

Victoria stunned onlookers and the paparazzi as she showed her blazer was slit open at the back to reveal her thong underwear.

Cindy Bruna (2018)

 Cindy Bruna left little to the imagination at the Burning premiere during the 71st Cannes Film Festival in 2018, in a sheer white gown, that completely bared her ample cleavage

Cindy Bruna left little to the imagination at the Burning premiere during the 71st Cannes Film Festival in 2018.

The model walked the red carpet in a sheer white gown, that completely bared her ample cleavage and toned figure.

Her ethereal gown also boasted feathered detailing and a long flowing cape, and the stunner appeared unfazed by the revealing element as she posed confidently for the cameras.

Candice Swanepoel (2021)

 Candice Swanepoel looked incredible when she walked the red carpet at the Annette premiere at the 2021 festival, mixing things up with a jumpsuit instead of a gown

Candice Swanepoel looked incredible when she walked the red carpet at the Annette premiere at the 2021 festival, mixing things up with a jumpsuit instead of a gown.

The South African model pulled out all the stops in a nude jumpsuit by Etro, which had a plunging neckline and intricate beaded patterns.

While her exposed chest commanded attention, she also had fringing going down her sleeves and the sheer trousers showed her long legs.

Elena Lenina (2021)

While Elena Lenina is not one of the biggest names to grace the Cannes red carpet, her looks have ensured she stands out every year and the Benedetta screening in 2021, she reached new heights - quite literally - with a bizarre hairstyle

While Elena Lenina is not one of the biggest names to grace the Cannes red carpet, her looks have ensured she stands out every year.

At the Benedetta screening in 2021, she reached new heights - quite literally - with a bizarre hairstyle.

The Russian businesswoman wore a fitted gold gown featuring oversized gold chain detailing from her shoulders to the ground.

But all eyes were distracted from her outfit by her latest wacky hairdo - this time wearing her blonde tresses styled straight up into the air, as if she was hanging upside down. 

Winnie Harlow (2018) 

 Winnie Harlow proved herself one to watch for insane red carpet looks at the Solo: A Star Wars Story premiere in 2018 in a slinky cut-out silver dress, with an eye-catching train

Winnie Harlow proved herself one to watch for insane red carpet looks at the Solo: A Star Wars Story premiere in 2018.

The model looked sensational as she flaunted her statuesque figure in a slinky cut-out silver dress, with an eye-catching train. 

Her dark gown was sleeveless and made from a metallic material that wrapped around her neck to form two cutouts across her chest and waist.

The backless number flaunted the rest of her physique, cinching in her waist before boasting a thigh-high split to showcase her enviable pins to perfection. 

Alessandra Ambrosio (2019)

At the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, Alessandra Ambrosio nearly revealed all in a fiery red halter dress by Julien Macdonald for the Les Miserables premiere

At the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, Alessandra Ambrosio nearly revealed all in a fiery red halter dress by Julien Macdonald. 

The model commanded attention in the slinky dress, that boasted a slash along her leg, putting her lithe pins on display for all to see.

The stunning number also featured knotted detailing around the neckline, while including a cut out keyhole, offering a flash of her toned midriff.

The Victoria Secret Angel couldn't resist flirtatiously playing with the long flowing train of her outfit as she strutted the red carpet at the Les Miserables premiere.

Deepika Padukone (2019)

Deepika Padukone dominated t(he red carpet at the Pain And Glory premiere during the 2019 Cannes in a ginormous lime green gown with a voluminous tulle skirt

Deepika Padukone dominated the red carpet at the Pain And Glory premiere during the 2019 Cannes.

The actress performed a total 'fashion mic drop' in a ginormous lime green gown, from Giambattista Valli Couture.

Her eccentric dress boasted long ruffled sleeves and a pink bow collar, with a belted waist to still emphasize her svelte figure.

Deepika also flashed a peek at her legs under the layers of tulle, while her dramatic train ensured she stood out from the crowd.

Ngoc Trinh (2019) 

Ngoc Trinh arrived at the 2019 premiere for A Hidden Life in a racy black bodysuit under a long sheer skirt, with side slits that reached all the way up to her waist

Ngoc Trinh combined several revealing trends for her dazzling appearance on the 2019 Cannes Film Festival red carpet.

The model arrived at the premiere for A Hidden Life in a racy black bodysuit, encrusted in intricate beading and boasting a daring cutout.

While over the top, Ngoc layered a long skirt that was completely see-through, for a unique take on the 'naked' aesthetic.

Taking the popular thigh-high slit fashion craze to a new level, her skirt had slits at the side that reached all the way up to her waist.

Meredith Mickelson (2019) 

 Meredith Mickelson put on one of Cannes' leggiest displays in 2019 at the Rambo: Last Blood premiere in a risqué sheer dress over nude underwear

Meredith Mickelson put on one of Cannes' leggiest displays in 2019 at the Rambo: Last Blood premiere.

The model posed in a very risqué dress inspired by the underwear as outerwear trend, with a beige bustier-style bodysuit as the base.

Over the top she wore a unique sheer overlay with an asymmetrical neckline that was made from a transparent black material resembling latex.

The racy material cascaded from her shoulder and wrapped around her body to create a floor length dress. 

Meredith twirled and flung out the skirt to showcase her long legs underneath and flash her nude underwear.

Melanie Thierry (2021)

French actress Melanie Thierry wore one of the most see-through looks at the 2021 festival as she attended the Tralala premiere in a sheer sparkling Celine gown

Melanie Thierry also chose to wear a completely transparent outfit as she attended the Tralala premiere at the 2021 festival.

The French actress was serving as the President of the Camera d’or Jury and took full advantage of the spotlight to command attention on the red carpet.

She wore a sparkling white cowlneck gown, designed by Celine, which showed off her slender figure underneath.

Both her bare chest and nude underwear were on full display and Melanie elevated the look with slicked back hair and bright blue eyeshadow.