Cannes Film Festival & Renowned Jewellery Parties

Undoubtedly, just before the summer gets into full swing, it’s Cannes that’s on everyone’s lips. And it’s not just the south of France’s very own paradise that gets everyone excited; more importantly, it’s the Cannes Film Festival that has our hearts, minds, and wardrobes abuzz. Founded in 1946, Cannes quickly became an authority in the world of film, and that global influence continues today.

2017 is a particularly special year for Cannes as it celebrates 70 years. While the film industry remains at the heart of the festival, it’s fashion and jewellery that gets us excited, and Cannes has always had a soft spot for style. But then that’s expected as Cannes is host to hundreds of A-listers and some of the world’s biggest brands for 11 days every year. Whether it’s Brigitte Bardot’s wholly elegant day gown with floral applique paired with long white silk gloves in 1954 or Kate Moss’ little black cocktail dress in 1998, Cannes has always been a spectacular showcase for mind-blowing fashion. Other Cannes highlights include Elizabeth Taylor’s diamond-encrusted tiara, brooch and cluster earrings in 1957 and Princess Diana’s dazzling pastel blue gown in 1987; every year, Cannes continues to impress.

On Wednesday, 17th May, Film’s best descended on Cannes for the annual festival, basking in the sun until Sunday, 28th May. During those 11 days, Cannes saw many a style sensation as guests made their way to numerous events hosted by Jewellery’s best.  Brands included Austria-based Swarovski, Swiss luxury jeweller de GRISOGONO, and Swiss watchmaker, jeweller and Partner of 20 years, Chopard.

Below, we explore some of the best jewellery parties at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Atelier Swarovski Luncheon

Launched in 2007, Atelier Swarovski is a Swarovski creation that aims to front innovation in crystal cutting, as Swarovski always has done. Coinciding with Atelier Swarovski’s 10-year anniversary, Swarovski Executive Board Member, Nadja Swarovski, and Academy Award-nominated actress Naomie Harris came together to host an intimate luncheon at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, a resort town less than ten minutes from Cannes. The ocean-side veranda luncheon celebrated the launch of Atelier Swarovski’s Fine Jewellery red carpet collection, which has seaside-inspired blue, green, pearl, silver and gold tones in abundance. There were numerous actors, filmmakers and influencers in attendance, including Park Shin-hye, Sheikha Aisha Al Thani and actor Luca Calvani.

Glittering Prizes

Curated by Condé Nast Corporate Photography Director, Ivan Shaw, Glittering Prizes is an exhibition celebrating 70 years of Cannes’ exhilarating red carpets, boasting an array of spectacular fashion-forward ensembles featuring Chopard jewels. Shaw told Vogue: “It’s a coming together of extraordinary beauty, extraordinary talent, and extraordinary craftsmanship,” adding: “It’s a real celebration of film and fashion and glamour and quality.” Amongst those photographed is Madonna, Sophia Loren, and Marion Cotillard. “They’re amazing women, yet the talent is really what shines through,” Shaw said. Julianne Moore and Livia Firth also featured and were in attendance at the exhibition. In her 2016 photo, Firth gleams in Chopard’s Fairmined sapphire-and-diamond necklace.

Rihanna Loves Chopard

To celebrate the launch of her collaboration with Chopard entitled Rihanna Loves Chopard, musician Rihanna played host in the Chopard suite at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Martinez, where she dazzled in an exquisite Chopard diamond choker, drop earrings, watch, and several rings. Pristinely lit diamond cases boasted the Rihanna Loves Chopard fine jewellery collection, as did four Chopard models. The guest list included Julianne Moore, Aidan Turner, Winnie Harlo and Petra Nemcova, to name a few.

Opening Ceremony

It may not be a jewellery party specifically; however, the level of superb jewellery on display at the Cannes Film Festival Opening Ceremony was, as always, awe-inspiring. While many glittered in Chopard, Cartier and Tiffany & Co., it was de GRISOGONO that stole the show. Making his way down the red carpet, de GRISOGONO’s founder and creative director, Fawaz Gruosi, sported de GRISOGONO’s New Retro Tourbillion watch – new to the collection. Following Gruosi, model Hailey Baldwin sparkled in de GRISOGONO earrings, ring and bracelet she paired with a feminine blue dress while Portuguese model Sara Sampaio chose spectacular white diamond earrings and a white gold ring set with white diamonds and rubies, alongside de GRISOGONO’s white gold FLORINDA bracelet.

Divine in Cannes

As well as its presence at the Cannes Opening Ceremony, de GRISOGONO went on to host their annual dinner party which, this year, they themed Divine in Cannes. As always, the party attracted some of Hollywood’s best and took place at the Grand Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc on the French Riviera. Those in attendance included Natalie Portman, Leonard Di Caprio, Adrian Brody, Cara Delevinge, Joan Smalls, Karlie Kloss, and Paris Hilton; all of which boasted shimmering de GRISOGONO style in some way.

Chopard SPACE Soirée

Back to Chopard; the brand didn’t disappoint with their outer space-themed soirée as their central annual event during Cannes, which took place inside a space shuttle-themed venue at Port Canto. Bruno Mars topped off the evening with a performance of some of his top hits, including Locked out of Heaven. Those in attendance included Julianne Moore, Will Smith, Isabelle Huppert, Kendall Jenner, Sara Sampaio, and Bella Hadid, to name a few. The dress code was “Galactic with a touch of diamond!”.

Trophée Chopard

Another annual event by Chopard, Trophée Chopard is an award presented to two young actors by Chopard, awarded in partnership with Variety magazine and a jury of film professionals. This year, Anya Taylor-Joy and George MacKay were the recipients of the prestigious award. The event, followed by an after party, took place at the Chopard Rooftop at the Martinez Hotel. Hollywood A-listers in attendance included Colin Firth, Juliette Binoche, Izabel Goulart and Tatiana Navka, to name a few.

During Cannes Film Festival 2017, Chopard also hosted a Gents Evening at Le Martinez Hotel, overlooking Cannes Croisette, in collaboration with Annabel’s – a leading private club in London (UK).

In Summary

If you’re a through-and-through jewellery enthusiast, look no further than Cannes Film Festival every May. Whichever way you look, you will always discover a roster of exquisite jewellery and fashion created by some of the world’s biggest names and, likewise, showcased by some of Hollywood’s best.