Photo Credit: Anna Muradás

The 2023 Cannes Film Festival has officially come to a close, but not without delivering the glitz, glam and tons of couture looks we come to expect from the star-studded event. Every May, the French Riviera transforms into a celebration of cinema — and fashion — as renown actors arrive at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

This year, Anastasia Karanikolaou attended the amfAR Cannes Gala, a fundraiser for the HIV/AIDS research organization, sponsored by Clase Azul Tequila, Aston Martin and Chopard, held at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes.

GRAZIA USA caught up with Karanikolaou to see how she prepped for the red carpet, find out how her final look came together and hear about the most impactful moments of the night.

Hearing the speeches and seeing the donations come in made up the most meaningful moments of the evening for Karanikolaou. “AmfAR is such an incredible organization — the work everyone there does to support AIDS research and HIV prevention is so admirable,” she tells GRAZIA USA. “At the end of the night it was touching to hear the progress they’ve made and donations they received in another year. Watching Halsey was so fun too!”

Glam Time

Photo Credit: Anna Muradás

“Good glam is everything so it’s always a whole process finding the best artist for the look we want to achieve, first. I wanted a soft but well done natural look with a strong lip,” said Karanikolaou. “I found Sophia [Sinot], who absolutely killed it with executing what I wanted. For hair, I’ve been really into doing it up and Peter [Mazilu], who also did my hair a few days of the week in Cannes, did a perfect job with it.”

Photo Credit: Anna Muradás

“We started glam at around 4,” Karanikolaou explained. “We did a bold lip and some fun lash extensions.”

Finishing Touches

Photo Credit: Anna Muradás
Photo Credit: Anna Muradás
Photo Credit: Anna Muradás

“I got dressed and added jewelry,” said Karanikolaou of her black GCDS Chain Dress. “Then Sophia added some last touches.”

Pre-Party Pics

Photo Credit: Anna Muradás
Photo Credit: Anna Muradás

“The look was complete!” Karanikolaou said, “We headed to the balcony where Anna Muradás took some lovely shots of my look before the night.” 

Photo Credit: Anna Muradás

Karanikolaou explained, “Sophia took some of me on her own camera for her portfolio.” 

Pre-Game Sips

Courtesy of Anastasia Karanikolaou

“Almost ready for the car!” said Karanikolaou. “I had a quick glass of wine and took some selfies on my way out.” 

One More Pose

Photo Credit: Anna Muradás

“Anna caught this one on my way out,” said Karanikolaou, who struck one last pose on the staircase, showing off her gown’s thigh-high slit. 

Red Carpet Arrivals

Anastasia “Stassie” Karanikolaou attends the amfAR Cannes Gala 2023 where guests sipped Clase Azul Tequila at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 25, 2023 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Clase Azul Tequila)
Giuliano Calza and Anastasia “Stassie” Karanikolaou attend the amfAR Cannes Gala 2023 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 25, 2023 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Red Sea IFF)

“Guiliano and I arrive to the amfAR carpet!” said Karanikolaou. She attended on the arm of GCDS co-founder Giuliano Calza, while wearing a bespoke design from the brand. “I adore Giuliano,” said Karanikolaou. “So, when he reached out and said he wanted to dress me for amfAR in a custom GCDS piece — it was a no brainer. Everything he makes is magic and he killed it for me once again!” 

An Insider Peek

Courtesy of Anastasia Karanikolaou

“We made it! Me and my gorgeous date Guiliano, inside amfAR,” said Karanikolaou. 

Courtesy of Anastasia Karanikolaou

“I was really excited to go with Giulioano because aside from being a legend, he is also a lot of fun,” she explained. “Other than that, I was excited to see Carine Roitfeld and the amazing fashion show she put on!”