The annual Cannes Film Festival red carpet, which is under way in France this week, is known for a lot of things—namely, the extremely glamorous and over-the-top gowns worn by top Hollywood stars. Are they fanciful and glitzy? Yes; Cannes is not an affair known for its sleek and subtle fashions. More is more! That being said, a handful of stars who attend the event with a more stealthy-chic wardrobe in tow. A prime example is Dakota Johnson, who touched down in Cannes to promote her latest film, Michael Angelo Covino’s Splitsville. Three appearances in, and the star is nailing a pared-back approach.
Her fashion streak began on Sunday evening, when Johnson attended the 2025 Kering Women In Motion Awards (alongside fellow stars like Julianne Moore, Jeremy Strong, and Nicole Kidman). The actor wore an open-back Gucci gown that was fully embroidered with strass crystals and beads. Sure, it may have been the sartorial equivalent of a disco ball, but the simple column shape was sharp and streamlined—a far cry from the elaborate trains or frothy tulles that typically dominate Cannes.
For a Kering panel discussion with Johnson and film producer Ro Donnelly, Johnson kept her stealthy fashion vibe going with a simple white button-up shirt and black high-waisted dress trousers. Later in the day, for her Splitsville photo call, Johnson then went more formal, in a classic black LBD with thin spaghetti straps—punctuated with an open back and strappy Horsebit hardware. Again, the look was as timeless as it can be, which is hardly the maximalist approach that A-listers take during Cannes. And for that, Johnson’s wardrobe is a total breathe of fresh air—and shines just as much as the most outré looks. Though, her premiere look this evening—a pink strapless gown with fringed embroidery—leaned a little more into statement territory.
