The Tamesis
Every year, the Cannes Film Festival sees Hollywood’s best stars descend on the Croisette to premiere and promote their latest films. However, while actors tend to get the most attention on the red carpet, they aren’t always the best dressed. Director Zhao Ting proved that this week with cool, unique outfits that would give any top actor a run for their money.
Zhao – his movies Hamnet and nomadic land Jessie Buckley and Frances McDormand, both winners of Oscars, are on this year’s Cannes jury, so it’s only natural that she would bring a series of eye-catching looks to the festival.
“This is one of the very few times I’m not representing a film at a festival, so I have a lot of freedom to have fun—and less pressure,” Zhao told me. Fashion. It’s that sense of play that will inform her wardrobe for the next two weeks. “I want to have fun and have fun, but be a little chaotic – not follow any rules,” she added.
Impressively, Zhao forgoes working with stylists at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, choosing instead to work directly with brands or designers with whom she has a relationship. “They showed me some look books and I chose [looks] That’s exciting to me,” Zhao said. “For me, it’s a very instinctive thing – kind of like choosing things on set. Even if it doesn’t make sense, it just feels right. There is a physical feeling. “
Upon arriving in France earlier this week, the director stepped off the tarmac wearing a red long-sleeved knitted dress from Gabriela Hearst’s Fall 2025 collection—a casual, cool piece that still felt put-together. Later, for the official jury photo, she changed into a navy knitted top and skirt set from the Hermès Spring 2026 collection, paired with strappy sandals. “I wanted to mix something that was cozy and cozy [carve] It’s time for some crazy riding,” Zhao said.
