The Cannes Film Festival kicked off in style with a dreamy dinner hosted by Vogue100 in partnership with Giambattista Valli. The event took place at the Carlton Beach Club, just steps away from the iconic Promenade de la Croisette. The venue was transformed into a romantic setting, with a long table adorned in butter-toned linen and vibrant red and purple blossoms filling the room. As the setting sun glittered over the Mediterranean Sea, guests began to arrive at 7 p.m., dressed in elegant pink gowns.
Three years ago, Vogue100 celebrated Giambattista Valli’s tenth anniversary of Haute Couture with a lavish party at the Hôtel d’Évreux, attended by esteemed guests like editor Hamish Bowles, pop star Robbie Williams, and socialite Ivy Getty. The beachside soirée at the Cannes Film Festival was an intimate reunion for the philanthropists, creatives, and executives who make up the exclusive Vogue membership.
Giambattista Valli, the renowned designer himself, welcomed guests with his characteristic warmth and charm. Dressed in a white jacket and sporting a perpetual smile, Valli mingled with muses, clients, and associates, making everyone feel right at home at the prestigious film festival.
Born in Rome, Valli studied at the Istituto Europeo di Design and Central Saint Martins before launching his eponymous label in Paris in 2005. His designs have graced the red carpet, with celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez, and Diane Kruger showcasing his dreamy dresses at the Cannes Film Festival over the years.
After his latest show, Valli spoke to Vogue about his desire to create dresses that feel like a “caress” and offer a sense of comfort, elegance, and calm. This sentiment was captured perfectly at the dinner, where beautifully adorned women laughed, drank, and savored the moment, embodying relaxation fused with elegance.
The feast at the dinner featured local flavors such as truffle risotto, sea bass, and pomme Charlotte, accompanied by wines like Studio Miraval and Domaine de Cristia. The evening concluded with a countryside lemon tart served with melty meringue and tangy cream, leaving guests satisfied and content. The party continued at the Carlton, with guests continuing the revelry into the night.
Overall, the dinner hosted by Vogue100 and Giambattista Valli was a truly magical and unforgettable start to the Cannes Film Festival, blending luxury, elegance, and a touch of romance in a spectacular setting by the sea.