On the final day of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Simone Ashley delivered what may go down as one of the most iconic fashion moments in the festival’s storied history. Wearing a sculptural white Vivienne Westwood gown, the Bridgerton star embodied grace, boldness, and old-Hollywood elegance in a look that blended theatrical drama with refined femininity. In a week overflowing with style, Ashley’s final appearance was nothing short of cinematic.
A final-day showstopper
Cannes is no stranger to unforgettable red carpet moments, but even by the festival’s high standards, Simone Ashley’s final-day appearance was something special. As the sun dipped behind the French Riviera, Ashley ascended the iconic Palais steps in a gown that seemed to float. Designed by the late Vivienne Westwood’s team for the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, the dress was a masterclass in dramatic elegance: a swan-like silhouette with sweeping lines and sculptural volume that gave the appearance of motion even while still.
The dress’s clean white color, paired with a tailored yet airy structure, evoked the grace of classic ballet costuming—think Swan Lake reimagined through the lens of punk romanticism. The neckline plunged gently, while the exaggerated skirt unfolded like a blooming flower. This was not just red carpet fashion; it was wearable art, perfectly suited to the majesty of Cannes. Ashley, already known for her fashion-forward choices, brought the look to life with a serene confidence. Where others might have been overwhelmed by the theatrical nature of the gown, she owned it—every step on the crimson carpet a visual reminder that fashion, at its best, tells a story.
A vision styled to perfection
Behind every showstopping red carpet look is a creative mind orchestrating the details, and in this case, that mind belongs to celebrity stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray. With a client list that includes Florence Pugh, Lily James, and Gemma Chan, Corbin-Murray is no stranger to building fashion moments that combine editorial flair with timeless sophistication. Her collaboration with Ashley is fast becoming one of the most compelling in the celebrity style world.
Corbin-Murray selected white Aquazzura heels to ground the ensemble—elegant yet understated, they provided balance to the gown’s grandeur without stealing attention. Ashley’s hair, styled in soft, retro-glam waves, was a nod to old Hollywood, while her makeup channeled subtle sophistication: glowing skin, lightly defined eyes, and a classic nude lip. Every element of the look worked in harmony, emphasizing the idea that the best red carpet fashion is never accidental—it’s artfully curated.
What made this appearance so resonant was its careful composition. While the gown itself was undeniably bold, every supporting detail—the shoes, the styling, the hair—felt restrained and considered. Together, they allowed the dress to shine while ensuring the woman wearing it was never lost in its shadow.
A perfect pairing with Vivienne Westwood
The choice of Vivienne Westwood—a designer whose work is synonymous with rebellion, grandeur, and British couture tradition—was a statement in itself. Known for her historically inspired silhouettes and subversive approach to femininity, Westwood’s aesthetic has long attracted women who want to make an impact. In Simone Ashley, the brand found a modern muse who could carry the weight of such an expressive garment with ease.
Westwood’s legacy is defined by contradiction: aristocratic meets anarchic, elegance meets edge. That tension was evident in Ashley’s gown—sculptural yet soft, structured yet flowing. It was couture that spoke to both power and poetry, capturing the very essence of what makes Westwood’s creations so beloved.
In a festival setting that often leans toward safe, classic glamour, Ashley’s choice stood out precisely because it was bold and uncompromising. It honored tradition without being traditional. And it reminded everyone watching that fashion should never be afraid to take up space—literally and metaphorically.
A rising icon on the global stage
Simone Ashley’s fashion moment at Cannes is the latest in a growing list of style wins for the British-Indian actress. Since her breakout role as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, she has quickly become a red carpet favorite. With each appearance, she proves that she’s not only a talented performer but a style icon in the making—one whose fashion choices consistently celebrate individuality and cultural nuance.
Her presence at Cannes this year was tied to two major moments: as a guest of L’Oréal Paris, the festival’s longstanding beauty partner, and as an attendee at the premiere of The Mastermind, one of the event’s buzziest debuts. Representing a global beauty brand with a deep commitment to female empowerment, Ashley brought authenticity and presence—not to mention serious fashion clout. She isn’t just showing up at red carpets. She’s commanding them.
Closing Cannes with unforgettable elegance
As the curtain fell on another Cannes Film Festival, it was fitting that Simone Ashley helped close the week with a look that embodied everything the festival celebrates: artistry, glamour, risk-taking, and storytelling. In her Vivienne Westwood gown, she offered a visual crescendo to a week of cinematic and sartorial brilliance.
Fashion moments like this don’t just happen—they’re carefully crafted, deeply felt, and remembered long after the flashbulbs fade. In an age where viral style can often feel manufactured, Ashley’s Cannes appearance felt refreshingly sincere. It was about drama, yes, but also about presence, poise, and vision.
As the fashion world looks ahead to the next red carpet, one thing is certain: Simone Ashley isn’t just playing dress-up. She’s shaping the narrative—one unforgettable gown at a time.
