Elle Fanning Lifts Her McQueen Gown to Reveal Towering Platforms at Cannes 2023

Elle Fanning solidified her status as a red carpet luminary at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2023, arriving at the Palais des Festivals for the Jeanne du Barry premiere in a look that defined the year’s couture standards.

As the fashion princess of the Cannes Film Festival, Fanning’s appearance served as a masterclass in balancing avant-garde construction with classic gala glamour.

Elle Fanning looked exquisite in a custom Alexander McQueen gown with a strapless bodice and a flowing train at the Jeanne du Barry screening and opening ceremony of the 76th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 16, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Stepping onto the world’s most photographed carpet in Cannes, France, the actress wore a custom Alexander McQueen “orchid” gown designed by Sarah Burton.

While the dress commanded the spotlight, the ensemble’s success relied on the intentionality of her styling—from the strategic height of her footwear to her Cartier high jewelry—ensuring the voluminous tulle train didn’t overwhelm her frame.

As she navigated the iconic Cannes steps, Elle subtly lifted her voluminous tulle skirt to reveal towering platform heels. This was a strategic choice; the added elevation prevented the delicate Paris net train from snagging on the carpet and provided a balanced silhouette for the 5′8½″ actress, who expertly manages her US size 9 frame in high-octane footwear.

Elle Fanning lifts her Alexander McQueen gown to reveal towering nude platform heels, a practical yet elegant choice that added height, stability, and balance beneath the sweeping tulle train on the Cannes red carpet (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Elle’s ensemble featured a silver strapless bodice that accentuated her youthful charm in a breathtaking departure from the original design’s metallic tendrils.

The magnificent creation boasted a pale pink tulle train that trailed behind her as she made her way up the carpet, reminiscent of a modern fairy tale come to life.

The Alexander McQueen gown’s tulle train trailed behind Elle Fanning as she went up the iconic steps at this year’s Cannes Film Festival (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Her specially constructed “orchid” attire was crafted from Paris net, adorned with intricate silver bugle-beadwork and dazzling crystal embroidery.

Every stone had been meticulously hand-beaded, leaving “The Great” star in awe of the creative director’s artistry and skill.

Complementing her ethereal look, Elle opted for a soft makeup palette with a hint of silver eyeshadow, enhancing her radiant features. Her blonde locks were elegantly swept back into a chic updo, adding a touch of sophistication to her overall appearance.

Elle Fanning’s hair was swept up in a chic updo to show off her gorgeous face and flawless beauty look (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Elle, who attended the event as an ambassador for L’Oreal, was not only a vision in her Alexander McQueen gown but also adorned herself with captivating accessories from the esteemed brand Cartier.

These remarkable pieces were the perfect finishing touches to her eye-catching presence at the prestigious film festival’s opening night.

Elle couldn’t contain her admiration for Sarah Burton, expressing her gratitude in a recent interview with British Vogue, saying, “There is no one more kind.”

The Super 8 actress marveled at the time they spent together and at the awe-inspiring artistry she witnessed in the McQueen London studio.

Elle Fanning’s stunning Cartier jewels perfectly complemented her custom Alexander McQueen gown (Credit: Robert Smith / INSTARimages)

She shared, “My jaw is still on the floor over each stone beaded by hand and the fact she did this for me! The time we shared and the artistry I witnessed from [Sarah Burton] in the McQueen London studio are a memory I will cherish forever.”

The dress, for The Neon Demon star, was more than just fabric and thread. It was a “dress of dreams” and a “work of art.”

While Elle’s talents have been widely recognized, she shared a surprising anecdote on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, revealing how her Instagram following once hindered her chances of landing a part in a major franchise.

The Maleficent actress, who currently has 6.3 million followers, said, “I did try out for…I’m not going to say what it was, but I didn’t get a part once for something big because – it might not have just been this reason, but this was the feedback I heard – I didn’t have enough Instagram followers at the time. So that was a little like…I firmly don’t believe in not getting a part [for that]. It was for a bigger thing, a franchise thing.”

Elle Fanning looking every bit the fashion princess of the Cannes Film Festival in her exquisite Alexander McQueen gown (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

However, she remains open to opportunities of that nature, believing in the importance of balancing blockbuster projects and independent work.

Elle continued, “I would never say no to those things, but I would have to have a meeting and really talk to see what it is. I didn’t have to go through what Nick [Hoult] did…they made him try the [Batman] suit on [when he auditioned for The Batman, a part that Robert Pattinson ultimately got]. You need a balance. If you want to do your indie work, especially in producing now…[having a big franchise] does make you breathe better.”

Elle Fanning’s Shoe Evolution: From Couture Platforms to Red-Carpet Classics

From Cannes couture to U.S. premieres and press-tour polish, Elle Fanning’s red-carpet style consistently demonstrates how thoughtful footwear choices elevate even the most elaborate fashion moments.

Whether she’s balancing dramatic gowns with towering platforms or grounding vintage-inspired silhouettes with refined heels, her shoe selections reveal a deliberate approach to proportion, comfort, and elegance—one that continues to define her status as a modern fashion icon.