L’HISTOIRE: Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Powder Pink Mugler Gown at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival
The actor attended the premiere of her film Entrapment in the regal ball gown fit for a queen.
L’HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival kicks off Tuesday, promising a slew of glamorous red carpet looks (albeit no naked dresses, thanks to the new rules). For more than eight decades, the prestigious two-week event in France has delivered some of the most iconic fashion moments to date. The festival draws the biggest names in film, who preview new movies of all genres from all over the world. At the event in 1999, heist film Entrapment was set to premiere starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones, who arrived at the premiere in a look that was peak elegance.
The Welsh actor stepped out at Cannes in a regal yet edgy ball gown from Thierry Mugler’s Fall/Winter 1999 ready-to-wear collection. Her floor-sweeping piece was crafted from a powder pink duchesse silk, featuring a revealing halter neck and a defined bodice. The gown’s understated, yet classy design had one eye-catching silver embellishment placed at the bottom of its plunging neckline. Zeta-Jones reflected the gown's simple allure, opting not to wear a necklace and, instead, choosing a pair of silver droplet earrings, bracelets on both wrists, and an updo. 
Before the world of celebrity-stylist duos in Hollywood, Zeta-Jones was successfully nailing her red carpet looks solo. In one daring and lavish look after another, the actor has proven to be an original boundary-pushing style maven. Only a select few celebrities have managed to maintain a style legacy that repeatedly lands them on best dressed lists quite like the actor has. As she’s gotten older, she certainly hasn’t held back on the jaw-dropping moments.
To emulate Zeta-Jones’ 1999 look, start with a pink ball gown like For Love & Lemons' floor-length dress. Alexis Bittar drop earrings will echo the actor’s understated glamour, and a sterling silver bracelet will round out the accessories needed to bring the look to life. For the shoes, go for pink satin stilettos. Finish off by pulling your hair up into a high bun.
