Simone Ashley Wore Alexander McQueen To The ‘Karma’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere

Simone Ashley made her first appearance on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for the Karma premiere this evening, and it appears she is continuing the archival fashion streak that has quietly become the defining thread of her recent style run following The Devil Wears Prada 2 press tour.

The British actress and L’Oréal ambassador wore a vintage Alexander McQueen Fall 2005 strapless red taffeta gown.

There is something unapologetically grand about this dress. The rich crimson taffeta instantly commands attention, but it is the mermaid-style pleated skirt that really gives the gown its character, and a sense of old-school red carpet drama that suits the Cannes setting perfectly.

My only frustration comes from the fit through the bodice. There are visible pulls across the fabric that distract slightly from what is otherwise such a strong fashion moment. A few alterations could have refined the finish considerably, especially with a fabric as notoriously unforgiving as taffeta.

Still, the mood of this look completely won me over. It feels theatrical, confident, and entirely in tune with Simone’s growing love for fashion history and archival dressing.

For those experiencing déjà vu, Gisele Bündchen previously wore this gown to the 2011 Met Gala.

Stylist: Rebecca Corbin-Murray.

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