Those who Cannes and those who cannes not...

Even if the Hollywood crowd only recently discovered the glamour factor of the Cannes Festival, most of them immediately understood that they would have to compete with worldwide actors used to wear Haute Couture. The competition is fierce and thus, one really has to make an effort to be positively noticed. No effort is spared to dress the ladies as all the designers showcase their collection for the beauties to borrow for the event, from Chanel to Lanvin or Christian Dior, hairdressers, style is the order of the day.

Michelle Williams obviously didn't get the memo.

If she didn't hire a stylist, it is a big mistake when one has no taste. If she has indeed a stylist, she should definitely fire this incompetent... Other alternative she- or her PR people - decided to make herself noticed by contrast. The sad little outfit of hers makes me cringes and, while she probably succeeded in getting attention since she was featured in the DailyMail today, I wonder who would identify with any character she'd play but a very sad one on a movie...

The dress's collar is wrong for her and especially in such a colour. It looks dull on pale complexion. The saggy breasts- so not sexy on a 20- something- scream for proper support. Actresses with small breasts shouldn't underestimate the need for underwear... And worst are the ample sleeves that add a "droopy" caractere to the ensemble... And don't get me started on the Duffy duck feet -like shoes...

Really, she looks pathetic. Darling, this is the Cannes Festival, not some beauty pageant from Arkansass...

I suggest Ms Williams takes her inspiration from people with good stylists. Like Dita Von Teese whose complexion is similar to the one of Michelle, wearing a purple dress by Jean Paul Gaultier couture or, for a simpler appeal, a lovely summery number by Missoni...

So, which one do you prefer?

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

There is no French equivalent to the expressions "Dress for success" or "Look the part" but of all French candidates to presidential elections in France last May, Segolene Royal, as the unique serious female runner should have been the very one to grasp the significance of style as part of the message she was sending to millions through various medias with her clothes only...

If the defeatof Miss Royal cannot be devolved upon her sartorial mistakes, there is a possibility they hold a responsibility. France being the country of Haute Couture, of plethora of internationally renowned and prestigious fashion houses, its president should represent the best of it in terms of image. Being a socialist candidate, she probably assumed that wearing Hermès or Chanel would not help acquire a rather low class electorate. There are, however, plenty of alternatives in terms of fashion segmentation and even within the Paule Ka and Irene Van Ryb - her favorite brands during the campaign- there were better and cleverer choices to do.

In the above pictures, I made a comparison between what was and what could have been in a photomontage. Opting for ultra conservative and loose - understand with NO STRUCTURE - clothes was not helping in a campaign where message of hope for a France turned towards more modern times was an essential one. Instead, her style expressed restriction and recession.

Although Segolene Royal is still very fit, she decided to wear clothes that accentuate her age without giving more authority to her image: loose skirts emphasizing her bottoms in an unflattering way, notably because of their length unecessarily increasing the calves and ankles sizes, (too) short jackets with wide shoulders pads, hair too natural, her style screams of absence of control and French people couldn't trust what they were seeing to control the country when she cannot exude of confidence herself.

Mme Royal had better rethink her communication strategy. I would be happy to help, starting with few suggestions in photomontages...

Let me know your thoughts: for how much do you think style actually counts in professional success? Do you think Segolene Royal should have cared more about her style?