A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY

Cate Blanchett (fourth from the left) with, among others, Kirsten Stewart, Lea Seydoux, Khadja Nin, Ava DuVernay and Agnes Varda in Cannes

AFTER last week’s Met Gala it was going to be difficult for anything to topple the best moments on the red carpet, from Rihanna dressed as the Pope, to Jennifer Lopez wearing a Balmain dress adorned with a jewelled crucifix.

Not forgetting Blake Lively who wore a custom-made Versace gown that took 600 hours to make and had a train to rival any wedding dress.

It was always going to be controversial. They gave celebrities free rein to interpret the Catholic religion in dress form, what did we expect?

The celebrities had barely taken off the last of their mascara when it was time to spruce up again for another red carpet appearance, this time across the pond in France.

The annual Cannes Film Festival kicked off again last week, the first since the #metoo movement and allegations of sexual harassment rocked Hollywood.

Most high profile events have been opportunities to highlight the ongoing problem of inequality and abuse, a chance to show solidarity by wearing black for the photo opportunities.

This time, led by Cate Blanchett who is the president of the film council this year, along with 82 other female film professionals, they took a physical stand – linking arms on the steps of the Palais de Cannes.

A silent gesture to highlight the struggle women face both professionally and socially.

Yes they were glamorous and beautifully dressed but above all they were strong, poised, calm and fierce…

It was the best red carpet moment I could have hoped for.