June in the South of France marks the arrival of tens of thousands of advertising and creative professionals from all around the world for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Amidst the heat of the Cote d’Azur and the flurry of creative minds, the fashion at Cannes Lions is always a trendy, and chic display that showcases personal expression and the spirit of creativity.
We’ve all seen the practical tips: ditch the suits, opt for comfy shoes (extra points for white sneakers), and pack lots of linen. But beyond these guidelines, the fashion at Cannes Lions deserves a closer look.
This year, attendees put the “creativity” back into the “Festival of Creativity” with bold colours, striking prints, and flowy outfits that reflect their personalities. With the launch of LIONS Creators—a dedicated forum offering exclusive learnings and networking experiences for creators and those in the wider creator economy—we saw an influx of creators rocking eye-catching and bold fashion choices, adding an extra layer of flair to the festival.
Check out some standout looks from Lions 2024 below, along with our style tips to help you shine next year!
- Go bold: Don’t shy away from bold colors and prints. This is the Festival of Creativity afterall—let your outfit reflect that spirit.
- Express yourself: Use your outfit as a canvas to express your personality. Whether it’s through vibrant accessories or unique patterns, make your look your own. Remember, there’s no such thing as too much flair here.
- Pack smart: Mix and match pieces that can easily transition from day to night. You may find yourself not having enough time between events. Versatility is your friend. Bonus points for carry-on only (if you’re up for the challenge!).
- Embrace comfort: The heat in the South of France can be intense. Spoiler alert: linen and cotton really do make a difference. Choose these lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay cool and chic.
- Comfy shoes are key: With so much ground to cover, comfortable footwear is a must. Sneakers are a fashionable and practical choice. Your feet will thank you later.
Halle Alice Owens-Ihenacho, Content strategist, Model, Artist & Multicultural Marketing
Creative, Los Angeles, USA
Give us your take – what goes into creating the ideal Cannes Lions outfit?
“For me, it’s important to dress like a person of colour. So, that means bold prints, a smart aesthetic, and something ethnically inspired”.
Henri Jaanimägi, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships, eBay, Zurich, Switzerland
Tell us about the vibe of your outfit today in one word
“Easygoing”.
Jessica Joseph, Founder & Director, Season25, UK
Alanna Doherty, Founder, The Groovy House, UK
Tell us about the vibe of your outfit today in one word
“We wanted to be colourful, and ready for networking to meet lots of people”.
Lisa Kisber, On-Air Personality and Content Creator, Toronto, Canada
How does the creative atmosphere at Cannes Lions influence your fashion choices?
“The creative atmosphere at Cannes Lions had a significant influence on my fashion choices. It was truly inspiring to see so many unique and artistic perspectives on display throughout each day at the festival. Fashion has always been a way to express myself, whether I am creating content, appearing on live TV, or hosting events. Surrounded by best-in-class creatives, creators, and industry leaders at Cannes Lions, it was definitely an opportunity to make bolder fashion choices and truly embrace one’s personal style!”
Madeline Dickinson, Student at the University of Georgia, USA
Isabella Swartz, Student at the University of Georgia, USA
Carly Rohrer, Student at the University of Georgia, USA
How does the creative atmosphere at Cannes Lions influence your fashion choices?
“It’s hot, and we’re in the South of France, so a lot of sundresses and vacation looks”.
Leanne Hainsby, Peloton Cycling Instructor and Internet Personality, UK
Lucy Powell, UK
Tell us about the vibe of your outfit today in two words
“Summer, and chic”.
Headline photo taken from the BBC Studios Session, “Navigating a New Era of Social Storytelling in the Age of Backlash.” speakers included were GK Barry, Podcaster, BBC Studios, Munya Chawawa, Comedian, BBC Studios, Joe Sugg, Founder, Final Straw Productions, and Jonelle Awomoyi, Journalist, BBC Studios.
