Elle Fanning stuns at Cannes 2025 with ’70s-inspired looks—from a bohemian Coach dress to Gucci denim & a heartfelt ‘Joachim Trier Summer’ tee. Explore her vintage vibes, stylist secrets, and fan reactions
Elle Fanning’s ’70s-Inspired Looks at Cannes 2025: A Nostalgic Fashion Triumph
Elle Fanning has once again cemented her status as a red carpet chameleon at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, delivering a masterclass in ’70s-inspired fashion. From ethereal bohemian gowns to playful denim ensembles, her looks paid homage to retro glam while celebrating her latest film, Sentimental Value. Here’s a deep dive into her standout moments, complete with stylist insights, social media buzz, and behind-the-scenes details.
1. Boho Romance in Custom Coach
Fanning’s festival debut featured a custom blue silk chiffon Coach dress with floral jacquard pleats and vintage lace trim—a nod to ’70s flower-child aesthetics. The dreamy silhouette, paired with powder-blue Coach mules and a Tabby 20 bag, was styled by Samantha McMillen to balance nostalgia with modernity.
“The dress felt like a gentle breeze of nostalgia,” noted Red Carpet Fashion Awards, highlighting its “whispered flower-child fantasy.
Fan Reaction: A TikTok clip of Fanning twirling in the dress (@CannesStyle) went viral with 2M views, with users praising the “effortless Grace Kelly vibes.”
2. The ‘Joachim Trier Summer’ Tee: A Viral Moment
For the Sentimental Value photocall, Fanning swapped glamour for quirky nostalgia in a white graphic tee emblazoned with “Joachim Trier Summer”—a tribute to the film’s director. The tee, designed by 11-year-old streetwear prodigy Dylan, became an instant meme, sparking Etsy dupes and tweets like “Joachim Trier Summer is the new Hot Girl Summer“.
“It’s very on-brand for Elle to make indie film love wearable,” wrote Vogue Scandinavia.
Styled With:
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Gucci flared jeans (£860) and a floral silk headscarf (£430).
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Chunky wooden platforms, completing the “sunshine-soaked” vibe.
3. Gucci’s ’70s Goddess Gown
Fanning’s closing look—a sheer, sunflower-printed Gucci Cruise 2025 gown—channeled retro opulence with a plunging neckline and backless drama. The actress accessorized with gold Palm d’Or-inspired earrings and teased the press:
“Cannes is the ultimate playground for fashion. You can go all out.
Behind the Scenes: Harper’s Bazaar revealed the gown required no alterations, as it was crafted to her measurements just two weeks prior .
4. Social Media & Critical Acclaim
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Twitter: #JoachimTrierSummer trended for 12 hours, with Trier joking, “I don’t even know what a Joachim Trier summer is—but I’d like one!” .
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Instagram: Fanning’s Gucci scarf tutorial (@ElleFanningStyled) garnered 500K likes.
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Film Praise: Sentimental Value earned a 19-minute standing ovation, with critics hailing Fanning’s performance as “heartbreakingly nuanced.
Stylist’s Notes: Samantha McMillen’s Vision
McMillen told People:
“Elle’s looks always have a ‘twist’—like the contrast of a childlike tee with haute couture. For Cannes, we wanted storytelling through fashion.
Watch the Moments:
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Cannes Red Carpet Recap (YouTube) (Fanning’s Coach dress at 2:15).
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Joachim Trier’s Tee Reaction (Twitter) (Director’s hilarious interview).
Final Takeaway
Elle Fanning’s Cannes 2025 wardrobe was a love letter to the ’70s—equal parts whimsy and sophistication. Whether honoring indie cinema or embracing Gucci’s glamour, she proved vintage inspiration is timeless.
What’s next? Fanning hinted at a “surprise collaboration” with Dylan’s T-Shirt Club—stay tuned