Isabelle Huppert in BALENCIAGA SS26, Rebecca Marder in DIOR, Leila Bekhti in AMI and Lena Mahfouf in COURRÈGES FW25 at the 2026 Cesar Film Awards in Paris, France
The 2026 César Film Awards in Paris once again proved that French cinema and French fashion are inseparable. Held in the heart of the capital, the evening delivered a masterclass in refined red-carpet dressing, where structure, silhouette, and heritage defined the mood.
Four women stood out—not just for what they wore, but for how perfectly each look reflected the identity of the house behind it: Isabelle Huppert in Balenciaga SS26, Rebecca Marder in Dior, Leïla Bekhti in Ami, and Léna Mahfouf in Courrèges FW25.
Isabelle Huppert in Balenciaga SS26
Precision, Power, Presence
Isabelle Huppert continues to redefine red-carpet authority. For the 2026 Césars, she embraced Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2026 aesthetic—sharp tailoring, architectural structure, and controlled minimalism.
The look centered around clean lines and deliberate proportion, allowing her posture and presence to lead the narrative. There was no excess, no theatrical embellishment—just modern tailoring executed with confidence. Balenciaga’s language of power dressing felt especially resonant on Huppert, who has long embodied intellectual elegance and cinematic strength.
Why it worked:
Balenciaga’s contemporary severity met Huppert’s understated intensity. The result was effortless dominance.
Rebecca Marder in Dior
Timeless French Glamour
Rebecca Marder delivered classic red-carpet refinement in Dior. The silhouette leaned into soft femininity with precise tailoring—likely featuring Dior’s signature sculpted bodice and fluid drape.
The look felt like a modern interpretation of Old Hollywood elegance filtered through Parisian restraint. Rather than dramatic embellishment, the strength came from construction, neckline balance, and immaculate finishing.
Dior’s heritage of couture discipline was evident—elegance without distraction, glamour without excess.
Why it worked:
When the fit is flawless, the gown speaks for itself. Marder’s Dior moment was polished, poised, and enduring.
Leila Bekhti in Ami
Relaxed Sophistication
Leïla Bekhti chose a custom Ami look that redefined what red-carpet dressing can be. Ami, known for its Parisian cool and contemporary tailoring, brought effortless ease to the ceremony.
The styling suggested layered softness—an elegant silhouette complemented by relaxed details that gave the look personality rather than stiffness. It felt modern, authentic, and distinctly French.
Instead of chasing overt glamour, Bekhti embraced refined minimalism with attitude.
Why it worked:
Ami’s power lies in understated confidence. Bekhti made elegance feel lived-in and natural.
Lena Mahfouf in Courrèges FW25
Future-Focused French Cool
Léna Mahfouf stepped onto the carpet in Courrèges Fall/Winter 2025, bringing a crisp, forward-looking aesthetic to the evening.
Courrèges has always represented modernity—graphic shapes, clean geometry, and subtle futurism. The look likely embraced sharp lines and streamlined tailoring, reinforcing the brand’s heritage of innovative French design.
Where others leaned into classic silhouettes, Mahfouf embodied next-generation Paris style—sleek, minimal, and confident.
Why it worked:
Courrèges speaks in sharp lines and bold simplicity. On Mahfouf, it felt youthful yet sophisticated.
The Fashion Takeaway
The 2026 César Film Awards showcased four distinct interpretations of French style:
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Balenciaga: Structured authority
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Dior: Timeless couture elegance
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Ami: Relaxed Parisian sophistication
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Courrèges: Modernist futurism
Each woman embodied her chosen house with clarity and confidence. The evening reminded us that true red-carpet power lies not in excess—but in intention.
Paris didn’t shout. It whispered. And that whisper carried authority.
