Cannes: the moment when Isabelle Adjani impressed in a Dior outfit created by John Galliano.
Do you remember the striking look of Isabelle Adjani that shook the Riviera? In 1997, at the Festival de Cannes, she appeared in a gold brocade jacket created by John Galliano for Dior. Nearly three decades later, that image continues to circulate as a dazzling symbol of the golden age of the red carpet. 1997-1998
Isabelle Adjani and the magic of John Galliano’s fashion: the timeless style of Dior.
Do you remember the striking look of Isabelle Adjani that shook the Riviera? In 1997, at the Festival de Cannes, she appeared in a gold brocade jacket created by John Galliano for Dior. Nearly three decades later, that image continues to circulate as a dazzling symbol of the golden age of the red carpet.
1997-1998
Isabelle Adjani and John Galliano: the theatre of fashion
We travel back to the 1980s, when Isabelle Adjani was at the height of her fame. She was in an extremely active creative period, filming a series of movies and frequently appearing on the red carpet, where she established herself as one of the most striking muses of French cinema.Much like the characters she portrayed, her style never went unnoticed. The actress developed a strongly theatrical and dramatic aesthetic, marked by voluminous silhouettes, pearl jewelry, numerous crystals, rich embellishments, and oversized sunglasses.Klein blue—her signature color—gradually became her trademark. One particularly memorable appearance was at the premiere of the film Subway (1985) by Luc Besson in Monaco, where she wore a tunic-dress in this vivid shade, paired with a tiara, a gemstone brooch, and striking jewelry.
Isabelle Adjan-1997
Christian Dior-1997/1998
On the occasion of the 50th edition of the Festival de Cannes in 1997, where Isabelle Adjani served as jury president, she pushed her fashion vision even further — in a direction that foreshadowed the theatrical couture later developed by John Galliano.She appeared in a gold brocade ensemble with floral motifs — a skirt and jacket richly decorated with pearl appliqués that remain unforgettable. The finishing touch was an elegant choker necklace, completing the silhouette between Parisian elegance and stage-like drama, typical of couture aesthetics.The entire look encapsulated the spirit of the era: pronounced shoulders, a cinched waist, a slim skirt, and lustrous fabrics with an almost Oriental floral ornamentation. Long strands of pearls, a Miss Dior bag, and miniature dark sunglasses added a sense of decadent sophistication characteristic of the 1990s.Even today, this Dior image remains relevant precisely because of its balance between opulence and precise tailoring.
Isabelle Adjani, Hugh Grant, Liz Hurley
In the 1990s, John Galliano was at the height of his success at Dior. He created couture collections inspired by history, travel, and imagination. These designs blended styles from different eras — the Belle Époque, Victorian elements, and exotic influences.This aesthetic is clearly reflected in the red carpet looks of Isabelle Adjani in Cannes. Today, such an aesthetic has become popular again on social media, as vintage style makes a comeback in fashion.This vision shows that a strong and well-constructed style does not age. The Festival de Cannes remains a symbol of glamour, and some fashion moments continue to be remembered long after.The image of Isabelle Adjani dressed by Dior and created by John Galliano is exactly that — memorable and timeless.
Author:VOUGE