Director Chloé Zhao turned heads at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, showcasing an array of distinctive fashion choices that rivaled Hollywood's best-dressed actors. As a member of the Cannes jury, Zhao embraced the opportunity to experiment with her wardrobe without the usual pressure of representing a film.
Zhao's Fashion Choices
Known for her Oscar-winning films Hamnet and Nomadland, Zhao opted for a playful and instinctual approach to her attire at Cannes. "I wanted to have fun and be playful, and a little messy—not follow any rules," she told Vogue. This freedom allowed her to forgo a stylist, choosing instead to collaborate directly with brands and designers she already had relationships with.
Arrivals and Jury Photo Call
Upon arriving in France, Zhao donned a red, long-sleeved knit dress from Gabriela Hearst's fall 2025 collection, paired with a Bottega Veneta bag. For the official jury photo call, she wore a navy knit top and skirt set from Hermès's spring 2026 collection, completed with strappy sandals. Zhao emphasized comfort while also leaving room for bold fashion statements.
Opening Ceremony
For the festival’s opening ceremony, Zhao collaborated again with Hearst, wearing a black merino, silk, knit, and lace dress with floral and ruffled details from the designer's fall 2026 collection. She added a leather moto jacket for an edgier look. Gabriela Hearst praised Zhao's symbolic approach to fashion, noting the director's interest in Gnostic Bible references and other inspirations that align with Hearst's own creative vision.
A Style Star to Watch
Zhao's fashion choices at Cannes this year have positioned her as a style icon to watch. Her fearless, instinctual selections reflect her storytelling depth and continue to captivate audiences at the festival.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/chloe-zhao-best-dressed-director-2026-cannes-film-festival
