Cannes Makes Major Fashion Announcement

Congratulations to those behind the Cannes Film Festival for finally realizing the event's true purpose. Cannes is getting a Fashion Festival this year, because the phenomenal fashion that always graces Cannes' red carpet clearly eclipses the actual films, so best to give it its own venue to shine. And I can't even fathom the fabulousness that event is going to see.

The fashion festival, which will run from May 20-22, is being described as “an array of glittering runway shows and glamorous events to be attended by international designers, journalists, industry insiders and fashion forward consumers." Whoa, sign me up.

The fashion festival is distinctly separate from and has nothing to do with the film festival, but it is a great way to generate more buzz and bring even more hype to the already heavily headlined event. And besides, fashion has become such an integral part of the Cannes Film Festival that naturally it deserves some attention on its own. So here's some of Cannes' best red carpet looks as photographic evidence for exactly why the fashion at Cannes needed its own forum. But I'm pretty sure you didn't need much convincing on that one to begin with.

1. Blake Lively

The pregnant beauty was basically the Queen of Cannes this year with her trio of envy-inducing red carpet looks.

2. Cara Delevingne

The model brought a sensuous dark side to the festival.

3. Marion Cotillard

Always the epitome of French glamor.

4. Rachel McAdams

Who could forget when Rachel McAdams stunned in Marchesa in 2011?

5. Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale looked like a princess in a powder blue Marchesa gown on the 2010 red carpet.

6. Carey Mulligan

Carey kept it pretty in pink when she brought Gatsby to Cannes.

7. Emma Watson

Her color-blocked dress gave a feminine take on the French "le smoking."

8. Diane Kruger

Kruger is always a favorite on the Cannes red carpet, and never fails to impress.

But the question that begs to be answered — what will become of the film festival red carpet once the fashion festival hits? Will it just be downgraded to cocktail attire, or will we go really laid back, à la Riviera seaside party? Because I can totally get on board with Bradley Cooper in a swimsuit, I mean, if that's the route they want to go...

Images: Getty Images (9)