The world’s artiste elite this weekend gathered into one resort town on the French Riviera. Cannes – an event at which even the paparazzi wear dinner jackets – is one of the last vestiges of Old Hollywood glamour.

From its heavy crimson carpet, the most extraordinary pieces in eveningwear are displayed and broadcast worldwide in a show of splendour to rival the films themselves. Here, we’ve documented those ensembles that truly had us starry-eyed.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts’ simple, form-fitting gowns effortlessly captured the decadent glamour of the event. Spangled with embellishments, these dresses also captured the sparkling, shimmering metallic trend of SS16. To top off her sumptuous look, Naomi Watts’ bleach blonde lob reflected the hair trend du jour.

Blake Lively

Ever the style chameleon, a radiantly pregnant Blake Lively transformed several times during the weekend. Our two favourite changes saw her own this shattered-glass Atelier Versace gown and this heavy mid-length golden dress by Valentino.

Sonia Ben Ammar/Jessica Chastain

These two dresses were perhaps the most effective examples of the sugar-coated, ladylike trend of the current season. Sonia Ben Ammar’s delicately embroidered gown effectively trod the right side of the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend thanks to a delicate, lacy bustier finish. Meanwhile, Jessica Chastain looked every inch the movie star in her embellished backless design with twee pale hosiery.

Susan Sarandon/Lily Donaldson

Doing it for the all-black classicism were actress Susan Sarandon in a timeless Saint Laurent ‘le smoking’ tuxedo, and Lily Donaldson in a taffeta gown.