Getty ImagesIt wasn't so long ago when #OscarsSoWhite was trending on social media…
For an international event, the Cannes Film Festival feels pretty localized—the lack of diversity among its competing films, attendees and even the style has not gone unnoticed. And while a large majority of the films came out of Europe and the States, the celebs at the festivities didn't need to relegate their red-carpet wardrobe to just Euro fashion houses. Are only the cool kids clad in Chanel, after all?
Given the location of the festival, it makes sense that the country's best ateliers are represented, but the film festival also serves as an opportunity for A-list celebs to show that talent—at least on the fashion front—is a global phenomenon.
So, thank you to stars like Kendall Jenner for killing it in Reem Acra (a Lebanese-American couture powerhouse)! Hopefully, we'll see more diversity next year—and here are seven designers everyone should keep in mind.
Ali Younes
Hailing from Kuwait, this designer never met an embellished gown he didn't like. Think: the femininity of Marchesa mixed in with Elie Saab's creative use of detailing. Appliqué florals, feathers and ruffles are used in the dreamiest way possible. It's no wonder celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Jordin Sparks and Eva Longoria are fans. Although Ali wasn't represented on the Cannes red carpet as much as we would've liked, Bollywood mega-star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan did make an appearance in a full-length, gold, beaded ensemble, courtesy of the Lebanese designer.
Paolo Sebastian
If Australian Fashion Week isn't on your radar right now, at least memorize the name Paolo Sebastian. This Aussie couturier leads the pack in romantic-yet-sexy gowns—high slits, plunging necklines and sheer burnout are aplenty. But that's not all the designer can do—Kim Kardashian even wore a custom Paolo Sebastian corset for the June issue of Vogue Australia.
Ulyana Sergeenko
You may already recognize this Russian designer from her many runway shows at fashion week. Those structured, sexy yet still form-fitting gowns that make your jaw drop every time? Yep, that's Ulyanna. There's an inherent edge even in her most seemingly simple pieces, thanks to the impeccable tailoring. We did see models like Toni Garrn donning the designer's duds throughout Cannes, and hopefully we'll see more of her work on red carpets to come.
Kris Goyri
When you've caught Vogue's attention, you know you've got talent. Fashion editor or not, anyone can see the modern artistry in this Mexican designer's pieces. It's less about lacy, embellished gowns that have become so synonymous with red-carpet wear and more about structure, or lack thereof, for a girl on the go. The flowing silhouettes and muted tropical color palette of Kris' most recent collection exuded more casual French Riviera vibes—perfect for the likes of Suki Waterhouse, Sienna Miller and even Amal Clooney.
Yiqing Yin
Also a Haute Couture Fashion Week mainstay, this Chinese-born, Paris-based designer creates more than just the pretty dress. Her pieces are not for the leather averse, and beyond the darker, no-frills aesthetic, there's something romantic about the way she mixes different textures and materials to create something intriguingly beautiful. Rooney Mara, this is one to remember.
Angel Sanchez
This Venezuelan, New York-based designer reminds us of another creative genius: Carolina Herrera. Angel's designs, however, seem a bit darker and more modern, playing with shorter hemlines for formalwear and mixing chic, simple silhouettes with just enough statement-making embellishment. If Carolina is a daydream, Angel is the nighttime fantasy you never want to wake up from.
David Tlale
Out of South Africa, comes David Tlale, a designer meant to be showcased at every swank, model mecca of a party in Cannes. His ready-to-wear pieces feature inspiration from his roots, while his formal gowns are dramatic, intricate and sultry enough to be worn at any major A-list soiree. The amfAR gala? Leonardo DiCaprio's after-party? Yes, please.