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An invitation to the Cannes Film Festival is a privilege in its own right.
But even within that rarefied world, there exists another hierarchy - a pecking order of red carpets, private parties and high-profile gatherings. At the very top, insiders say, sits the elusive Yves Saint Laurent event.
Those who secure an invitation to the YSL-hosted soirée are, according to long-circulated whispers, among the brand's most valuable clients.
In fashion circles, an invite is widely understood to be a discreet 'thank you' extended to those who have dropped vast sums on the label's wares.
Ahead of this year's festival, whispers in Sydney's gossipy eastern suburbs suggested the Australian contingent would be led by legendary spender and modern-day aristocrat Kate Champion.
The rumour proved spot on.
Kate Champion was among the elite socialites who were invited to the Cannes Film Festival as a guest of Yves Saint Laurent this year
The fashion house hosts one of the most elite Cannes gatherings. In addition to attracting Hollywood types, it has long been rumoured that the brand's biggest spenders are invited
Champion - the ex-wife of Laser Clinics Australia founder Alistair Champion - shared an Instagram gallery on Sunday, documenting her luxury stay at the Carlton Cannes, looking a million dollars and draped head-to-toe in YSL.
One of the only Australians stepping out in partnership with the YSL fashion house this year, Kate was the picture of glamour in a strapless black satin gown.
The $8,000 frock featured a very daring thigh split that went all the way up to her hip.
Kate pulled her blonde tresses back in an artful updo and added a pair of designer glasses and YSL handbag to her expensive look.
Notably, Kate appeared to be representing Australia solo as there were two elites from Down Under who didn't make it over this year, despite being avid YSL fans.
Sarah Lucas, a high-profile Melbourne socialite, did not post from the YSL Cannes circles, despite frequenting global events hosted by the fashion house in the past.
She had been hosted by YSL at the brand's Paris Fashion Week show in March 2025.
The wife of restaurateur Chris Lucas - and ex-wife of retail magnate Steven Lew - happily flaunted her attendance with a reel of fashion-forward photos taken during her stay at Hôtel de Crillon.
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And Sydney-based philanthropist Kate took every opportunity to flaunt her invite on Instagram on Sunday
She posted a reel of her luxury stay at the Carlton Cannes
Sarah Lucas, a notable Melbourne socialite, did not post from the YSL Cannes circles, despite frequenting global events hosted by the fashion house in the past
Sarah also attended a YSL event in 2022 when the brand flew her out to Capri, Italy - so her absence at Cannes has been noted by society insiders.
Luxury PR and well-known lover of high-end fashion Maree Andrews was another notable absentee from YSL's Cannes events this year.
YSL's international guests this year were an exclusive bunch, with the likes of Hollywood star Rami Malek spotted representing the label at the Women in Motion Awards.
The event is an annual gathering hosted by YSL's parent company Kering, which also owns Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga, among others.
Oscar-nominated Irish actress Ruth Negga was also in attendance, garbed in a black lace gown.
The attendees this year were certainly an exclusive bunch, with the likes of Hollywood star Rami Malek spotted representing YSL at Women in Motion
Irish actress Ruth Negga was also in attendance, garbed in a black lace gown
She was followed by Italian and French singer Carla Bruni, who dazzled in a champagne sating gown
She was followed closely by Italian and French singer Carla Bruni, who dazzled in a champagne satin gown.
Elsewhere at Cannes, YSL also invited the likes of Kate Instone, the founder and director of Blush International, a luxury interior design firm in London and Dubai.
Fashion influencer Hannah Strafford-Taylor also repped the brand, as did Ukrainian model Anna Andres, Canadian singer Charlotte Cardin, French actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu.
Belgian actress Virginie Efira, French actress Adèle Exarchopoulos, and French-British star Charlotte Gainsbourg were also spotted walking the red carpet while wearing items gifted by YSL.
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