Nicole Kidman hit the red carpet at the 2025 Kering Women In Motion Awards in Cannes on May 18 rocking a bold red lace Balenciaga mermaid gown that practically stopped traffic.
This wasn’t your average dress—it was sleeveless, curve-hugging through the bodice, then flared into a dramatic train that whispered, “Ready for my close-up.”
Embed from Getty ImagesUp close, the intricate lace pattern felt like modern art: delicate florals woven over sheer panels, giving just enough peek-a-boo without veering into overexposed territory.
The fitted mermaid silhouette played off Kidman’s statuesque figure, cinching at the waist and exploding into that swishy skirt—proof you can serve drama without a single rhinestone.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhy red?
Because nothing says “leading lady energy” like a hue that pops against the Cannes sunset—and against Nicole’s alabaster skin.
The rich scarlet dialed up her natural warmth, especially paired with her revived ’90s strawberry-blonde locks. It was like she grabbed the Mediterranean glow and bottled it into a dress.
Speaking of hair, celebrity stylist Sam McKnight worked his magic with a long, straight lace-front wig in that fiery red-blonde shade—center-parted perfection that echoed the gown’s undertones.
Embed from Getty ImagesMakeup artist Wendy Rowe kept things glowing and fresh, highlighting Kidman’s cheekbones and giving her that dewy, “just-sunned” vibe. A swipe of classic Chanel Rouge Noir on her nails grounded the look with a chic edge.
All this lace and glow was more than a style flex—it was a power move for an evening where Kidman was honored with the Women In Motion Award, celebrating her fierce advocacy for female filmmakers.
The red lace felt like the perfect choice: bold enough for the palm-tree backdrop, meaningful enough to echo her mission of amplifying women’s voices in cinema.
In a nutshell, Nicole didn’t just wear red—she embodied it. The gown’s vibrant hue and elegant design made it clear why red is her signature color: it highlights her presence, honors her legacy, and ensures all eyes stay right where they belong—on a true screen icon at the top of her game.
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