It's one of the most glamorous events for Hollywood's best and brightest – but the desire to dazzle can lead not only to sartorial successes, but also fashion flops.

The 79th Cannes Film Festival, which is wrapping up this weekend, has seen some of the most impressive ensembles on the red carpet over the past two weeks, including Jane Fonda's custom black Gucci gown and a stunning sequined white Jacquemus dress from Demi Moore.

But some stars missed the mark, such as the typically fashionable French actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu's overwhelmingly ruffled purple Anthony Vaccarello frock.

John Travolta also raised eyebrows with his now-viral berets at the French red carpet, later claiming he was trying to channel 'old school directors'. Elsewhere, influencer Matteo Sinet made a startling statement as he dyed his teeth black.

In the super flamboyant and opulent atmosphere of one of the world's most luxurious coastlines, sometimes it's tough to know what will and won't land; read on to see who nailed the Art Nouveau-style brief and which looks were more kooky than couture...

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This year's festival has also seen some more racy looks.

For the premiere of De Gaulle: Tilting Iron, supermodel Bella Hadid stunned in an ensemble which proved to be a nod to one of fashion's biggest names.

Fans of Jane Birkin, the fabled Anglo-French actress and singer who inspired the Hermes bag and died in 2023 aged 76, may have recognised Hadid's custom-made back-to-front ivory lace gown.

Designed by the French fashion house Schiaparelli, it is uncannily reminiscent of one worn by Birkin at the same festival six decades earlier.

In 1969, aged 22, Birkin appeared on the red carpet with musician boyfriend Serge Gainsbourg in a white crochet dress, by Pucci, that went on to become one of her most iconic looks.

Similar as the two dresses are, what is more noteworthy are their differences.

Where Birkin's was cut in a loose and flowing kaftan style in keeping with the laid-back 'hippy' ethos of the 60s, Hadid's hugged her body like a second skin.

And while Birkin's hair was kept long and casual, Hadid's was worn in a glamorous updo accessorised with gobstopper diamond earrings by Chopard.

AND THE BEST!

Elsewhere, Heidi Klum flaunted her bombshell curves in a sizzling low-cut gown as she and husband Tom Kaulitz headed for a night out at Carlton Beach Club during the festival on Tuesday.

The model, 52, put on a head-turning display as she slipped into a busty, thigh-split brown number which perfectly accentuated her hourglass-figure and toned pins.

Heidi certainly attracted plenty of attention in her cleavage-enhancing corset-style dress and killer black heels as she and her partner made their way through the crowds on the Boulevard de la Croisette.

Her rocker husband Tom, 36, who donned a semi-sheer spotted shirt, dark trousers and animal-print loafers, kept a protective arm wrapped around her as they walked. 

Despite the hustle and bustle, the couple appeared in great spirits while soaking up the atmosphere.

And while the event looks like one big party with tons of glamour, one star has revealed that there are plenty of things that happen behind the scenes in the French town that no one knows about.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, actress Blanca Blanco told the Daily Mail that one thing onlookers at home don't realise is that there is a massive amount of security with armed guards, police on horses and motorcycle cops.

There is also a strict guest list to get into the festival where badges are needed for entrance. Sometimes lines to get into the festival can take ten hours for commoners; once inside a screening room no popcorn or candy is offered. 

And the place is crowded with 40,000 visitors – many are not even in the festival – descending on the small town, leaving hotel and restaurants packed to the gills.

There are also different rules for VIPs, like private helicopter rides and roped off areas, as well as five-star rooftop dinners and yacht parties.

Getting to the Cannes Film Festival is a massive effort in itself. 

All guests arriving at the festival must come by car – and never by foot, even if their hotel is across the street – to get onto the red carpet.

That is because a car serves as a placeholder for the guest: it is a line and also helps with the timing for the carpet.

Once on the carpet, ID badges must be checked as security is high. Armed guards can be seen everywhere and motorcycle cops going up and down the street at all times.

'There are men with guns at every turn, the police presence is very much felt,' Blanca shared.

Also, the red carpet is not slow but rather a fast photo shoot, as stars have less than a minute to pose for the cameras before they are moved along.

'You can't pause on the carpet and talk to people, you have to pose and then move on, it's like clockwork. Attendants are there to make sure you don't lollygag,' Blanca explained.

Cell phones are not allowed on the carpet so there are no selfies or sneaky shots being taken.

She added: 'Want to take a selfie with a friend? Forget it, not possible, but that is a good thing, actually, so guests can focus.'