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S SOMEONE who struggles to squeeze the bear essentials required for a two-day city break into my carry-on without totally busting the airlines’ luggage allowance guidelines, I can only imagine the epic level of packing that went on for the stars attending the Cannes Film Festival over the past 10 days or so.

Granted, it is unlikely that Nicole Kidman, Salma Hayek and Marion Cotillard have to stuff their own trolley cases, let alone have to grapple with budget airlines’ weight restrictions. But with photocall after photocall, premiere after premiere to attend, that’s a hell of a lot of frocks.

This being the 70th anniversary of the famous festival, even more A-listers than usual have been flocking to the Riviera to sell everything from movies to Magnum ice creams.

With four projects to promote, Nicole Kidman has been hard to miss, and from her ethereal Alexander McQueen number to her bombshell ballerina dress from Calvin Klein, the Aussie actress’ fashion choices have been faultless.

But you’d expect nothing less from a pro like her who has the world’s best designers on speed dial.

Pity the poor co-stars who have to measure up to the statuesque blonde. However, one has been giving Nic a run for her money and she is 19-year-old Elle Fanning.

Elle appears with Nicole in not one but two movies that premiered in the South of France, How to Talk to Girls at parties and The Beguiled.

At the screening for the former, Elle answered Nicole’s shimmering Rodarte number with a jaw-dropping mint green backless Gucci gown which was slashed to the navel and finished with a flower garland hem.

Attending a private dinner for Prada, a strapless feathered Miu Miu cocktail dress was the perfect choice, while for the daytime photocall for The Beguiled the elfin actress opted for a wholeseome, homespun white cotton dress from Alexander McQueen’s pre-fall collection.

Proving herself to be an equal opportunity dresser, we have also seen Elle in designs from Vivienne Westwood, Christian Dior, Temperley and Stella McCartney.

For Hollywood teens, the world of high fashion is tricky terrain. Couture gowns are often terribly ageing on young women. But whoever it styling Elle is nailing it.

By keeping her hair and jewellery simple, her makeup minimal and accessorising every fairy tale gown with a smile as wide as the Channel, the former child star looks fresh and fun every time.

I predict the actress will be Fanning the flames of the fashion world for years to

come.