Aubrey Plaza’s Cannes Fashion Rollercoaster: From Loewe Disappointment to Miu Miu Delight at ‘Megalopolis’ Premiere

Aubrey Plaza showcased a masterclass in fashion juxtaposition at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, appearing in two starkly different looks to promote Francis Ford Coppola’s sci-fi epic, Megalopolis.

While her red-carpet premiere ensemble aimed for a sculptural “Old Hollywood” gravitas, it was her playful transition into vibrant retro-chic for the film’s photocall—anchored by crystal-embellished Miu Miu pumps—that captured the true essence of her whimsical style.

From hidden 5.5-inch silver platforms to visible martini-shaped heels, Plaza’s footwear choices during her time on the French Riviera offered a complete study in navigating the demands of a high-profile international premiere.

Aubrey Plaza contrasts Old Hollywood elegance in an eggshell satin Loewe gown on the Cannes red carpet with playful retro charm in an orange Miu Miu floral shirt dress, finishing the daytime look with crystal-embellished white slingback pumps (Credit: PA Images / IPA / INSTARimages)

Screen Siren Look 1. Aubrey Plaza in Loewe’s Silk Satin Gown and Casadei Platforms

The moment she stepped on the red carpet for the Megalopolis Cannes Film Festival premiere, I immediately noticed Plaza— not because I was enamored with her look, but rather because I thought her choice of clothing was… meh.

The White Lotus star opted for a modest duchess gown by Loewe, a Spanish label known for its novel approach to fashion.

Aubrey Plaza fails to wow in her eggshell silk satin duchess gown by Loewe at the Megalopolis world premiere during the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2024 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Her dress exudes Old Hollywood elegance with its modest long sleeves, square neckline, and eggshell silk satin. It has an intriguing, albeit unnecessary, touch: a twisted, rope-like detail at the waist that resembles a belt before draping down the sides. It appears as though a section of the clothing has been rolled up. I think it’s weird, but not good weird, if you know what I mean.

Nonetheless, I appreciate the dress’s alluring open-back design, which gives the traditionally conservative look a hint of sensuality.

Overall, though, I’m not too fond of the gown. The skirt looks too long for Aubrey’s 5ft 4 ¾ (164.5 cm) height, and even the darting appears unkempt.

Aubrey Plaza’s white satin Loewe gown features a modest silhouette with a square neck, long sleeves, floor-sweeping hem, and an intriguing twisted rope-like accent at the waist (Credit: Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / Cover Images)

Her emerald-and-diamond Piaget jewelry added much-needed color to the ensemble, but I don’t think it was enough to save the look.

She layered the Piaget Golden Oasis Luxuriant necklace around her neck, dripping with 177 marquise-cut emeralds and 172 diamonds, and featuring a removable 3-carat pear-shaped drop. I like the jewelry, but I don’t think it matches the gown’s neckline.

The Piaget Golden Oasis Luxuriant white gold chandelier earrings set with 12-carat marquise-cut emerald and diamonds were fastened to her ears. A matching emerald-and-diamond ring rounded out her jewels.

Aubrey Plaza adds color to her white Loewe gown with a Piaget Golden Oasis Luxuriant necklace and earrings dripping with emeralds and diamonds (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Stylist Jessica Paster, who works with Emily Blunt, Quinta Brunson, Abigail Spencer, and Cate Blanchett, finished Plaza’s Cannes outfit with silver Casadei heels.

Though hidden beneath her dress, she was sporting the “Flora Flash” platform sandals, designed to enhance the feminine figure. They have small buckled straps that secure them to her ankles, and they have slits and peep toes made of metallic laminated leather. The 5.5-inch towering stiletto heels and thick platforms finish the look.

Jon Chapman styled her brunette hair in a side-parted, wavy style, with one side tucked behind her ears, in keeping with the Old Hollywood aesthetic of her appearance.

However, Kathy Jeung simply lined her hooded brown eyes and added rosy blush and lipstick. She would have somehow achieved an Old Hollywood screen siren look if she had worn red lipstick.

Aubrey Plaza completes her failed Old Hollywood screen siren look with side-parted retro waves and rosy makeup (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

2. Retro Revival: Miu Miu Floral Shirt Dress and Crystal Slingbacks

Thankfully, the Parks and Recreation star made up for her lackluster appearance at the Cannes premiere of Megalopolis by showing up at the photocall the next day in an orange Miu Miu retro-style floral dress.

Her $4,200 dress looks casual but perfect for the photocall on the French Riviera. It features a retro white floral line-art motif that enhances the summertime look, along with neat details like a zipper that runs the length of the dress. The crepe de chine fabric’s crisp texture further enhances these elements.

Her flattering shirt dress features a sharp collar, short sleeves, puffed shoulders, and waist ruching that accentuates her contours. The midi length also looks perfect for Plaza’s height.

Aubrey Plaza opts for a retro summertime look in an orange-and-white Miu Miu floral dress for the Megalopolis photocall at Cannes on May 17, 2024 (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

The outfit is equally impeccable in terms of style. Plaza sported a tiny pair of diamond-encrusted gold hoop earrings, rings, and bracelets.

Not to mention those heels! She paired her orange dress with white Miu Miu slingback pumps ($1,750), enhancing the nostalgic summertime look! Their ultra-feminine satin design is covered with luminous crystals.

Slingback and vamp straps with heat-sealed artificial crystals anchor them to the feet, while the 4-inch varnished martini-shaped heels elevate the look.

Aubrey Plaza pairs her orange floral shirt dress with crystal-encrusted white satin slingback pumps by Miu Miu (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

I know it’s simple, but this look has me completely smitten. I love that it’s easy to recreate!

Plaza didn’t disappoint glam-wise! Her shoulder-length brunette hair was styled in voluminous, messy waves, and her features were highlighted with eyeliner and vibrant red lipstick.

Aubrey Plaza finishes off her retro look with a voluminous, messy-waved hairstyle and bright red lipstick (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

3. The Production of Megalopolis: Francis Ford Coppola’s $120M Epic

Conceived in 1977, Megalopolis is Francis Ford Coppola’s self-financed $120 million passion project.

The epic science-fiction drama follows Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a visionary architect with the ability to stop time, as he attempts to transform a decaying, New York-inspired metropolis into a sustainable utopia.

His mission is opposed by the conservative Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), setting up a philosophical and political clash.

The film’s journey to the screen spanned over four decades, with Coppola ultimately selling a portion of his wine empire to fund production in 2022. It made its high-profile debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, where it received a seven-minute standing ovation.

Director Francis Ford Coppola and the cast of Megalopolis attend the Cannes Film Festival premiere of their epic sci-fi drama movie (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

More of Aubrey Plaza’s Most Memorable Shoe and Fashion Moments

From sculptural designer heels on the Cannes red carpet to playful retro pumps at film photocalls, Aubrey Plaza consistently proves that footwear can transform an entire look. If you enjoyed exploring her Loewe and Miu Miu moments in this article, take a look at more of her standout shoe and fashion appearances below.