This Year More Than Ever: Diamonds Love Cannes
May has meant Cannes— the International Cannes Film Festival—for movie lovers since 1946. No other 12 days in the year showcase more diamond-studded movie stars and award-winning directors from around the world. We’d like to thank the film industry, festival organizers, and, of course, the people of Cannes– for the dream, the sparkles, and the effortless luxury that the legendary French festival has embodied for so long.
Image: Getty Images / Matt Winkelmeyer
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Merci, Cannes: For the films, the glamor, and the French Riveria.
The Cannes Film Festival is renowned for its creativity and audacity. Led by a president—Spike Lee for the 2020 edition—its jury is always eclectic, highly skilled, and unbending. A glaring example: in 2019, the cult award, la Palme d’Or, was awarded to Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite… also a very unexpected Oscar winner this year!
Every year, the most daring and precious pieces from the biggest talents in fashion and high jewelry are displayed on the most stunning women in the world. No superlative is superlative enough. The stars, the journalists, the bloggers…they all love it. As do the friendly and supportive people of Cannes, the iconic French city on the Côte d’Azur. With their fabulous 5-star hotels, their delightful restaurants and amazing way of living, they all play a crucial role in the prestige of the 12-day event since 1946.
The famous red-carpet steps that lead to the Palais des Festivals are a stairway to Heaven. No garment is too amazing, no diamond too big, to take the giant leap.
Chopard, the Jeweler Extraordinaire Behind the “Palme D’or”
The most prestigious jewelry houses in the world all meet on the red carpet in Cannes. Cartier, Chaumet, Boucheron, Bulgari, Messika…you name it. Day after day, opening night after opening night, millions of dollars worth of natural diamonds are leaving well-guarded safes to highlight the allure of the most divine actors and filmmakers. What they are wearing is usually the result of fascinating hush-hush negotiations between the houses on one side, and the agents and stars on the other.
Of all the jewelry houses, one name is particularly associated with the Cannes Film Festival. Led by pioneering female art director and co-president Caroline Scheufele, Swiss institution Chopard has been the festival’s official sponsor since 1998. That year, the jewelry house reimagined the coveted Palme d’Or. It still manufactures the award, year after year, together with more Cannes film awards, and always in ethical ‘Fairmined’ certified gold.
Over the years, Chopard and its designers have created countless one-of-a-kind pieces with Cannes and its glittering stars in mind. Since 2007, the Maison has committed to releasing as many extraordinary high jewelry pieces as there are years in the life of the festival. This year is the 73rd edition. Just imagine the 73 wonders.
A Star a Day Keeps the Blues Away
At a time when the world should be in awe of masterpieces, mind-blowing cinematography, awesome stars and epic jewelry on the red carpet, Chopard has agreed to open its Cannes archives.
Starting May 12, we will have access to photos of the international stars who have experienced the magic of climbing the stairs in recent years, and of the impressive Chopard work of art they wore on this occasion. The goal of this short retrospective is to embrace the truly international and diverse purpose of the festival. From French elegance to Hollywood glamour and beauties from the other side of the world, stars of all styles, all origins and all cultures meet. In 2019, there was even a family reunion, with both Fanning sisters in attendance—one as a jury member, and the other to present Once Upon a Time in Hollywood!
Hopefully, this celebration of beauty, talent and brilliance will help us all wait for the better days to come. When the festival finally takes place, diamonds will be here…And Cannes 2021 will shine even brighter.
Because Diamonds love Cannes—since 1946 and forever.
