Stylist Tara Swennen Picks Kristen Stewart’s Best Cannes Style

With two films showing in Cannes this year, fest pundits were quick to connect Kristen Stewart’s name with the title “Queen of Cannes.” It’s true, the 2016 entries — Woody Allen’s opening night Café Society and Olivier Assayas‘ competition entry Personal Shopper — mark an impressive feat for any actress, especially one who is only 26.

But it’s not as if Stewart needed further validation from the French for such an honor.

She’s already something of an icon here, both as a movie star and fashion muse. Stewart is the first American actress to win a Cesar Award (for Assayas‘ 2014 Cannes entry Clouds of Sils Maria), and she’s received Karl Lagerfeld’s stamp of approval many times over at Chanel (she now stars in the house’s “Paris in Rome” campaign shot by Mr. Lagerfeld himself). 

In anticipation of Stewart’s upcoming trips up the Palais steps, Pret-a-Reporter asked her longtime stylist Tara Swennen to relive her best Cannes looks and dish on her 2016 red carpet strategy. “Make your client look and feel the best they possibly can,” Swennen offers. “But Cannes is a global arena and opening night is on par with the Oscars for us as far as fashion — it’s a very exciting time of the year!”

Pret-a-Reporter: Do you have a favorite look that you’ve styled for the Palais steps?

Tara Swennen: I loved the red Reem Acra gown that Kristen Stewart wore a few years back to the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival. It had a clean modern shape but the deep plunge, sexy cutouts and the bold color made it stand out.

Do you feel pressure to pick couture in Cannes over ready to wear?

Cannes is a unique opportunity, much like awards season, where couture can be worn so it’s fun to play with. As a stylist, whenever the opportunity to use couture comes about, one takes it. We are like kids in a candy store!

What’s your most memorable Cannes moment?

I loved Kristen Stewart in a Chanel sequined two-piece set in 2014. It was effortlessly unexpected and true to her style.

The festival schedule can be a hectic one. What’s your key to staying healthy and fighting jet lag?

We will find out! This is the first year I am actually attending instead of sending clients overseas.

Before she packed up and headed overseas, Pret-a-Reporter got her take on the Cannes looks below … 

On the Reem Acra gown: “The cut and color was incredible on Kristen. It had a clean, modern shape but the deep plunge, sexy cutouts and the bold color made it stand out.”

LADY IN RED: Stewart poses at the ‘Cosmopolis’ premiere during the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2012. (Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage)

On the Balenciaga look: “This photo call look was classic casual cool for Kristen. There was an ease to it, which I loved, but the pants were playful and fun for an afternoon in Southern France.”

PHOTO CALL: Stewart poses at a press event during the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2012. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)

On the Balenciaga gown: “This gown was made for Kristen by Nicolas Ghesquière. It was a fun collaboration for me. Nicolas always has an impeccable vision and it was fun seeing this one come to light.”

CUSTOM GOWN: Stewart at the premiere of her film ‘On The Road’ during the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2012. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

On the Chanel pantsuit: “I love Kristen in this Chanel sequined two-piece set in 2014. It was effortlessly unexpected and true to her style.”
2-PIECE STUNNER: Stewart poses at the ‘Clouds Of Sils Maria’ premiere during the 67th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2014. (Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage)

 

#HBD BOO!