Opening ceremony Cannes Film Festival

The stylish and lush biopic Grace of Monaco opened the glamorous Cannes Film Festival and the couture dresses seen on the red carpet did not disappoint.

Nicole Kidman, the film's star, wore couture Giorgio Armani, who's Prive label was a popular choice amongst actresses and also worn by Alice Taglioni. Christian Dior, Valentino and Elie Saab were also popular choices, while British brand Victoria Beckham was worn by Zoe Saldano.

Generally French and American designers dress the most stars at the festival, notably because the couture houses have recently showed their spring summer 2014 collections and last week the resort collections were seen on the runway.

In Cannes the luxury jewelers are as important as the designer's dresses, The world's leading jewellery houses are keen for Hollywood actresses to be seen dripping in their diamonds and from Chaumet and Cartier to de Grisogono to Harry Winston and Chopard, the houses, like their fashion counterparts, take up suites at the most luxurious hotels, for stylists and celebrities to be fitted with their jewellery. But like the dresses, these pieces are on loan.

Images: Nicole Kidman in Armani Prive, Zoe Saldana in Victoria Beckham, Laetitia Casta in Dior