Chloé Zhao Wore Schiaparelli Haute Couture To The ‘Paper Tiger’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere

Chloé Zhao has been on the Gabriela Hearst train throughout Cannes Film Festival while serving on the jury, but things finally took a far more dramatic turn for the premiere of Paper Tiger.

And what a perfect moment to make that switch than for a midnight premiere.

If your first thought was that the director looked like a blowfish in this Schiaparelli Spring 2026 Haute Couture transparent peplum jacket and skirt, the look was actually inspired by deep-sea creatures and the surreal textures of underwater life. That influence came through in the sharp spikes around the shoulders and the spotted crystal embellishment scattered across the silhouette.

I’m sure many of you had this look on your wish list for someone like Lady Gaga or Cardi B, because it feels like it was made for someone with a larger-than-life fashion personality. So it would never have been a consideration for someone like Chloé, who is usually far quieter and more understated with her red carpet choices. But as I say at least five times over the course of Cannes every year, this is the place to step out of your comfort zone.

What makes this work for me is that she fully committed to the mood. The pulled-back hair, and the confidence completely changed the energy she usually brings to the red carpet. There is no hesitation here.

I know some of you are looking at her and saying, “But why those shoes?” and I would agree. But I’m willing to overlook them for the bold shift in outfit direction.

FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.