Cannes festival: a fashion storm

The Cannes Film Festival opened amid a downpour of stormy weather, but celebrities braved the wetness and stayed glamorous for the red carpet arrivals.

The Festival's red carpet arrivals are an important media outlet for fashion and couture designers, as exposure drives sales and the glamour associated with the event is an enormous pr boost for any brand.

British designers worn on the carpet include Alexander McQueen by Nicole Kidman, Burberry by Cara Delevigne and Christopher Kane by Emma Watson, who wore a burgundy dress from his Autumn/Winter 2013 collection.

Dior Couture was a popular choice amongst actresses, with Nicole Kidman wearing a subtle floral print gown at the opening event. Carey Mulligan opted for a nude blush pink gown, although the actress was holding an umbrella to keep the water from damaging the fabric.

Images: Cannes Film Festival 2013