Amal Clooney returned to Cannes Film Festival sans husband George Clooney last night, walking the red carpet to attend the screening of her friend Bono’s documentary, Stories of Surrender. The human-rights lawyer and celebrated humanitarian can more than hold her own when going solo and opted to stick to the glamorous dressing style—and vintage choices—that makes a standout Amal Clooney evening look.
Clooney stepped out at the Palais des Festivals in an archival John Galliano–era Christian Dior gown that was full-length with a dramatic train, sweetheart neckline, and waist-nipping silhouette. While it’s very much in keeping with her red-carpet fashion formula, it was a quiet break with the newly instated Cannes Film Festival dress code. The recent rules have garnered the most attention for banning nudity and more risqué dresses, but they’re also trying to stop more voluminous, dramatic looks—that include trains.
For accessories, Clooney wore diamond drop earrings, several silver cocktail rings, and a simple, compact black clutch. Her glam was subtle, with a nude lip and soft, smoky eyes.
Her almost waist-length hair was styled by Dimitris Giannetos—a celebrity favorite who is known for Gigi Hadid’s bob to end all bobs and Demi Moore’s sweeping awards-season ’dos—into voluminous waves with a soft caramel balayage.
She was photographed on the red carpet with Bono and The Edge of U2. Bono is a close friend of the Clooneys, who attended their Venice wedding in September 2014.
Clooney’s penchant for vintage and classic, showstopping gowns goes way back. Last September she walked the red carpet of the 2024 Albie Awards—presented by the Clooney Foundation for Justice—with husband George, opting for a black velvet Atelier Versace gown with a similar off-the-shoulder neckline.
While her appearances remain rare, you can usually expect to catch Clooney in some variant of vintage and Versace on the red carpet. But last year’s fashion was also an experiment in bolder colors, patterns, and textures, on and off the carpet. She was photographed in a bright yellow sundress, a satsuma-toned jumpsuit, Galliano-era Dior polka dots, and a vintage Versace neon pink, yellow, and orange dress.
This year, sightings of Amal Clooney have been even rarer. We caught a glimpse of her winter style, in layers of Max Mara and swathes of gray cashmere, and more recently some rib-grazing denim for spring.
But with more summery events—the Clooneys will often be spotted in Saint-Tropez, Venice, and Lake Como for the season—and glitzy galas coming up, we can be sure to welcome back the ever-more showstopping looks from Clooney with confidence. Will George join her or stay at home with the twins? TBC.
