A recurring fashion theme we spied on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet this year is Block & Beautiful. Here’s our roundup of who rocked this trend best.

Cannes is recognised as being the most glamorous film festival in the world, but the magic isn’t just in the movies. Cannes fashion and ‘who wore what’ drives the paparazzi in their dozens to descend on the South of France, eager to capture the next big fashion trends, set by the world’s most influential stars.

Melan Magazine has been keeping an eye on the high-profile faces that have been flying the flag for Black women this year, representing with their style, sexiness and star factor. From British actresses to American legends, there’s one trend they all seem to favour for 2022; wearing bold, block colours. So, ditch the floral prints and patterns, Block & Beautiful is set to become a staple in your summer wardrobe. Get inspired by our pick of Cannes couture.

Lashana Lynch in Bright White & Shimmering Silver

The British Bond girl who burst onto our screens in No Time To Die earlier this year, playing the sizzling agent Nomi, whose character was appointed ‘the new 007’ in the film, wore a white dress by Fendi Couture on the red carpet. Wearing white isn’t an easy look to pull off, it requires confidence, faith and staying away from red wine but Lashana showed us how it’s done. Her second standout look was a silver sequin-clad Dolce & Gabbana number worn for a Chopard celebration.

Lashana Lynch: “The Black experience needs to be 100 percent authentic”

Lori Harvey Mellow Yellow

The Dolce & Gabbana model and skincare entrepreneur brought full-on fairytale princess vibes to the festival with her feathery frock by Alexandre Vauthier. She teamed her princess perfect canary yellow couture with shimmering diamonds and sparkly shoes, looking like the belle of the ball.

Sabrina Elba in Sheer White

Escorting her husband British actor Idris Elba on the red carpet for the world premiere of his forthcoming film Three Thousand Years of Longing Sabrina opted for a floating sheer white custom-made gown by Tony Ward Couture, but she didn’t steal the show; she shared it with her mum who also wore white and with her mother-in-law who dazzled in traditional Ghanaian attire.

Jasmine Tookes in Sunshine Yellow

The former Victoria’s Secret Angel is no stranger to having her photo taken and she certainly knew how to work the camera in this dramatic, pleated, trailing gown by Lebanese-Italian designer Tony Ward Couture. Red Carpets are black tie events so while the men spotted in the background blended in with their black suits, Jasmine brought the sunshine rays in a vibrant yellow that has got us excited about summer shades in our wardrobe.

Sheila Atim MBE in Ornate Orange

One of this year’s Cannes’ award-winners Ugandan-British actress Sheila Atim who is starring alongside Viola Davis in The Woman King received the Trophée Chopard. She rose to the occasion looking every inch the Hollywood star in a dazzling floor-length orange gown by Prada.

Cindy Bruna Pretty in Pink

French model Cindy Bruna who is best known for her campaigns with Prada and walking the ramp for Calvin Klein brought the ooh la la to festival, with two contrasting pink outfits. Her first look was a tulle net dress comprising layers of soft pink fabric made by Giambattista Valli bringing with her all the soft feminine vibes. She then switched things up with a skintight fuchsia ensemble.

Letitia Wright in Classic Black

Sticking with classic black, British-Guyanese actress Letitia Wright looked effortlessly exquisite in a smart ensemble by Alexander McQueen. In a hybrid outfit that was part tailored suit, and part fairytale ballgown, Letitia showed she has an eye for the unusual and is a forward-thinking trendsetter.

Naomie Harris in Snow Queen White

The simplicity and elegance of white proved to be a popular choice and one that Naomie Harris chose for her moment in the spotlight. The Bond star embodied snow queen chic in a Palmer Harding evening gown.

Aamito Lagum in Scarlet Red

Winner of season one of Africa’s Next Top Model, Ugandan actress Aamito Lagum nearly blended into the red carpet with her chic and simple red gown by YSL.

Eye Haidara in Gorgeous Green

Bringing tropical vibes to Cannes, French actress Eye Haidara brought a fresh fashionable twist to her look opting for a glamorous green gown by Lavin, a colour that radiated high glamour, despite being an uncommon colour for A-list events.

“I decided to start with a palette that was me”: Viola Davis on authenticity

Viola Davis in Perfect Primaries

We couldn’t stop gushing about Viola’s recent biography: Finding Me and now we’re in love with her commitment to bold, block colour fashion. Viola was spotted in two exquisite Alexandre McQueen outfits. She chose a sunny yellow off-the-shoulder gown to walk the red carpet with her husband, Julius Tennon. Then to pick up her Woman in Motion award, Viola stepped out in a radiant red suit.