From the Archive: 1998’s “Party Planning” Sees Karen Elson Readying For a Big Night Out in Cannes

Image may contain Person Teen Bed Furniture Accessories Bracelet Jewelry and Sunbathing
Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998

“Party Planning,” photographed by Michel Comte, was originally published in the August 1998 issue of Vogue.


Vogue’s November 1998 issue decamped to Cannes for the film festival and its dizzying array of parties. Karen Elson, with photographer Michel Comte in tow, displays her sun-soaked days by the seaside film festival—a combination of languor and whirlwinds. Here, she suns, parties, and primps.

Image may contain Person Face Head Photography and Portrait
Scent of a woman: Karen gets cozy in a cashmere hooded cardigan by Ralph Lauren Collection.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998
Image may contain Karen Elson Clothing Glove Footwear Shoe Adult Person Teen Car Sports Car and Transportation
Karen dons Estée Lauder s air-pressurized, wader-style AromaSpa Lymphatic Leg Therapy boots—with a little inflation assistance from Peugeot s Grand Prix team.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998
Image may contain Adult Person Clothing and Glove
Weird science: Karen tries the newest quick skin fix on the market.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998
Image may contain Plant Potted Plant Summer Jar Planter Pottery Vase Tree Adult Person Pool and Water
High society: Our heroine escapes the ten-day photo op that is Cannes, seeking seclusion poolside at a private villa.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998
Image may contain Electrical Device Microphone Clothing Formal Wear Suit Accessories Tie Urban Dress Face and Head
Karen (in John Galliano) flanked by body guards from Harry Winston.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998
Image may contain Billy Zane Karen Elson Face Head Person Photography Portrait Clothing Formal Wear and Suit
Karen takes a dip with Titanic s Billy Zane.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998
Image may contain Boat Transportation Vehicle Adult Person Water and Yacht
Sunny-side up: After partying till dawn, more than one big-name guest has been known to strip down and hit the craggy rocks overlooking the sea in front of the Hotel du Cap cabanas.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998