Marion Cotillard Chanel
Simon Helberg, Marion Cotillard and director Leos Carax attend the “Annette” screening and opening ceremony during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 06, 2021 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)

Marion Cotillard and Adam Driver’s latest project Annette made its premiere at Cannes Film Festival this week. Behind closed doors it was praised by critics as a “fever dream”. On the red carpet the same could be said for the actress’ travelling Chanel show.

On day one for the Annette photo call, Cotillard fought the summer heat in a sleeveless printed Chanel shirt which was finished with a silk scarf tied around the collar. The 45-year-old revived the bike short for a daytime red carpet twist and finished the ensemble with heeled boots and a folded cuff.

Marion Cotillard Chanel
Marion Cotillard attends the “Annette” photocall during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 06, 2021 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)

No expense was spared at the opening ceremony to the event. Pulled from the Chanel Haute Couture 2020 collection, the French actress shimmered in a silver lace gown, accented with a subtle peplum waist and intricate scalloped layers. According to Chanel, 322 hours of work was needed to craft the gown. It featured three lace techniques laid on double white silk tulle. The mirrored effect was achieved by enclosing silicone in glass plates and heating it onto the lace.

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar UK, Cotillard was immediately in love with the dress as it was unveiled last June.

“When I first saw this dress in July 2020, during the small presentation of the couture collection that couldn’t be shown on a runway, I immediately wanted to wear it,” Cotillard told the publication. “I didn’t know what the occasion would be, but as soon as we heard that the festival was going ahead, I thought Cannes was the best place to wear such a spectacular dress. It has a very artistic, feminine feel to it, as if that silver material has been poured over the lace. It’s almost more like a work of art than a dress, and that’s what I love about it.”

The ensemble was finished with a silver pump; the heel crafted from perspex.

Marion Cotillard Chanel
Marion Cotillard attends the “Annette” screening and opening ceremony during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 06, 2021 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Marion Cotillard Chanel
Marion Cotillard attends the opening ceremony gala dinner of the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 06, 2021 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Cotillard’s chic appearances didn’t stop there. The Inception star was spotted attending a Chanel dinner in celebration of Cannes Film Festival overnight. The actress wore a long-sleeve, floating knee-grazing dress. The black-and-white printed piece was embellished with gold jewels and pearls. It was paired with Mary Jane-esque heels and a pink quilted evening bag.

Marion Cotillard Chanel
Marion Cotillard is seen during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival at on July 07, 2021 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/GC Images)

What will Cotillard wear next? Stay tuned.