AFTER hitting the pause button in 2020, the Cannes Film Festival rolled out the red carpet once more — and the A-list celebrities brought their fashion A-game. While actresses and supermodels typically attract the paparazzi, it was director Spike Lee who owned the night with a hot pink custom-made suit by Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton, with matching sunglasses and a pair of custom Air Jordans. Lee, who has been coming to the festival since 1986, when he debuted “Do the Right Thing,” is also making history as the first Black president of the Cannes jury. At Cannes’ opening ceremony — before the premiere of “Annette” — the red carpet was once again filled with high fashion, dazzling jewelry and some shameless posing. Supermodel Bella Hadid made a dramatic entrance — and exit — in a vintage black-and-white gown by Jean-Paul Gaultier and jewels from Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie Collection. Other runway regulars at the opening ceremony included Candice Swanepoel, who wore a sheer Etro jumpsuit with some serious Cher vibes from the ’70s, Eva Herzigova in Alberta Ferretti, and former French first lady Carla Bruni in a pale blue gown by Celine. Jessica Chastain looked elegant on the red carpet in a lace Dior gown with ruby-and-diamond jewels by Chopard. Chastain, who has been attending Cannes since 2012 and served on the jury four years ago, has a strong connection to the festival. Keeping cool in white were actress Jodie Foster (in a Givenchy dress with silver accents) and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who wore silk dress by Hedi Slimane for Celine. Bringing a splash of color to the red carpet (and a tidal wave of camera charisma) was Dame Helen Mirren in a vibrant yellow dress by Dolce & Gabbana and matching gold pumps. And it wouldn’t be the Cannes Film Festival if there weren’t some playful peek-a-boo on the red carpet, including model Didi Stone Olomide’s white corset and flowing gown, which is equal parts modesty and majesty. (SD-Agencies) | 