Bella Hadid is the queen of Cannes — but she’s paying homage to a French fashion icon.
The model, 29, hit the “De Gaulle: Tilting Iron” premiere red carpet Wednesday in a stunning custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown inspired by the late Jane Birkin.
Birkin, born in London, became a major French film star in the 1960s and was known for her trend-setting style. She’s the namesake of Hermès’ most famous handbag style, designed specifically for her to replace the trusty woven basket she constantly carried.
Hadid’s custom look, like the original, featured a plunging neckline and a keyhole cutout that dipped below her navel. However, her 2026 update added flair with a sculpting corset and lace-up back.
Both gowns included a large black embellishment across the midriff, though Birkin’s was a DIY addition.
Appearing at the Union of the Artists Gala in Paris in 1969, Birkin chose to wear her dress backwards, lending it the plunging look, and fastening the waist with a black floral brooch.
The stunning look required “22,160 hours of embroidery work and the expertise of 130 artisans,” according to a post on Schiaparelli’s Instagram.
Hadid arrived at the Cannes Film Festival 2026 earlier this week and has made waves on and off the red carpet.
The “Beauty” actress, styled by Mimi Cuttrell, has pulled stunning looks from the archives, including a pink gingham crop top and matching low-rise capris from Chantal Thomass’ spring 1988 collection for a day on the water and an Elie Saab fall 2004 couture gown and Chopard jewels for the brand’s gala.
She’s mixed in some fresh looks, too, including straight-from-the-runway Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann and custom Prada gowns.
