There was once a time when the world of showbiz exclusively favoured younger women, with stardom evaporating for some after the first wrinkle arrived. Yet this week, the Cannes Film Festival has proven that over-55s are now without a doubt the most stylish stars on the red carpet, commanding more attention than the younger, somewhat risqué-looking famous faces trailing in their shadows.
Leading Ladies of Elegance
Leading the way was Joan Collins, 92, who showed that true Hollywood glamour knows no age as she made a dazzling appearance on the hallowed steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès on the French town's seafront. Stepping out for the opening ceremony of the 79th annual festival, the Dynasty actress embodied timeless elegance in a white gown, which she teamed with a diamond necklace and black gloves.
She wasn't the only star showcasing impressive style and age-defying looks; Jane Fonda, 88, turned heads in a floor-length black sequin dress, whilst Demi Moore, 63, stunned in a strapless white sequin gown teamed with a shimmering necklace. Their appearance at the first night of the 12-day occasion, often dubbed one of the glitziest events in the showbiz calendar, created an obvious buzz in the room and online as they posed for photos.
This highlighted a marked change from years of models dominating the red carpet, with many of the influencers, socialites, and younger modelling stars so far failing to impress at Cannes. In a stark contrast to the boomers' effortlessly glamorous looks, the likes of socialites Poppy Delevingne, Lady Victoria Hervey, and TV personality Farhana Bodi missed the fashion mark.
Gillian Anderson Joins the Ranks
Joining the ranks of the stylish older women was Gillian Anderson. The X-Files actress, 57, debuted a bold new look on the second day of the festival, having swapped her straight locks for a mane of dramatic curls. Attending a photocall for Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma on Wednesday, the Sex Education star teamed the attention-grabbing hairstyle with a gold floral embroidered dress and Chaumet jewellery.
Later that day, Gillian hit the red carpet for the screening of A Woman's Life, looking equally elegant in a white sleeveless gown, which boasted a dazzling detailing. She elevated her frame in a pair of towering heels, donned a pair of stunning pearl drop earrings, and styled her blonde curly tresses in a high ponytail.
Joining the actress at the event was Demi Moore, who wowed in a lilac off-the-shoulder gown which featured a dramatic long train and a daring thigh-high split. The Hollywood star styled her dark tresses in a waved wet do and wore a pair of statement drop earrings to complete the fashionable look.
Younger Stars Fail to Impress
But at the same occasion, the younger stars failed to impress. Lady Victoria Hervey turned heads for perhaps some of the wrong reasons in a white mini-dress that looked like an explosion of feathers and left little to the imagination. The socialite, 49, accessorised with a bizarre lipstick handbag whilst posing up a storm on the red carpet.
Model Poppy Delevingne, 40, meanwhile, opted for a sheer lace and velvet dress that seemed to leave a lot to be desired. Influencer and model Caroline Daur, 31, sported a unique red and black feathered strapless gown that also failed to hit the style mark when compared to the over-55s' looks. Former Made In Chelsea star Kimberley Garner, 35, also made an appearance in a pink floral dress that didn't appear to fit the glamorous occasion. Elsewhere, Dubai-based influencer Farhana Bodi, 40, opted for a rather bizarre ensemble, sporting a hooded gown.
Jane Fonda Continues to Shine
Last night, Jane Fonda continued to up the fashion stakes in a fitted white blazer which was embellished with beaded detailing. After walking the red carpet on Tuesday, the 88-year-old was back on the scene again, this time to celebrate her 20-year partnership with L'Oreal. The actress, who has been an ambassador for the brand since 2006, showed off her age-defying looks.
