Stewart & swennen redefine cannes: sneakers under heels and tweed illusion
Kristen Stewart shattered red carpet expectations at Cannes Film Festival this weekend, proving that breaking the rules – and defying expectations – is precisely her brand.
A clash of textures and transparency
The actress, alongside stylist Tara Swennen, delivered a series of striking looks, anchored by Chanel’s latest collections. But it wasn’t just about the labels; it was about a deliberate, almost rebellious, play with silhouette and material. From a gossamer gray tweed top and skirt – cleverly employing an optical illusion of sheer layering – to a vibrant red knit gown, Stewart and Swennen demonstrated a confidence rarely seen on the festival circuit.
Swennen explained that the goal was “a youthful and effortless vibe, but also have it be grounded in real movement, rather than polished perfection.” This translated into a surprising detail: a succession of Nike and Converse sneakers peeking out from beneath the couture gowns – a pointed rejection of the traditional, highly polished aesthetic often associated with Cannes.
Chanel’s new direction
The focus on unexpected textures and silhouettes – slouchier tailoring, lighter tweeds – reflects a shift within Chanel under Matthieu Blazy. “There is a beautiful relationship between Kristen, Chanel, and Matthieu Blazy, because she activates his pieces in a different way,” Swennen noted. “He’s really loosened Chanel up. When you look at his clothes, the tweeds are a little lighter, the tailoring is slouchier, and the silhouettes feel a little less rigid and lived-in. That is very much the arena that Kristen likes to live in.”
The sheer tweed illusion, for instance, was a masterful demonstration of this new approach – a delicate, almost fragile piece that simultaneously revealed and concealed. It’s a far cry from the rigid, overtly glamorous looks that have historically defined Stewart’s Cannes appearances.
Despite Cannes’s notoriously strict dress code – discouraging flat shoes and voluminous designs – Stewart and Swennen persisted, arguing that “if it’s not trashy and people remain polished, I think [the rules are] malleable.” This willingness to challenge convention is, arguably, the core of Stewart’s enduring appeal.
Beyond the runway
Stewart’s Cannes appearance coincided with the photo call for Quentin Dupieux’s Full Phil, alongside stars Woody Harrelson and Emma Mackey. The actress’s commitment to her own authentic style – demonstrated by the sneakers and the unexpected garment choices – suggests a growing confidence that extends beyond the red carpet.
Looking ahead, Stewart is set to preside over the Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues Festival in France, hinting at a “French Cruise” aesthetic and continuing her partnership with Dylan Meyer on her wife’s new film, The Wrong Girls. It’s clear that Stewart’s Cannes reign is far from over; her approach to Fashion, and to life, remains undeniably her own.