With just one appearance, he effortlessly stole all the attention.
A suit, once again a suit—the thousandth and first suit, offering no novelty. Yet, because it was worn by Anson, even a conventional suit came alive.
The design was tailored and detailed, with precise and perfect cuts that showcased proportions and lines flawlessly. The subtlety couldn't hide its rock 'n' roll vibe, a blend of elegance and rebellion that instantly signaled it was Dior.
And Dior, once again, belonged to Anson. Hedi Slimane's designs only truly came to life on Anson, capturing the spirit of the design.
Defiant and proud, rebellious and sharp, yet there was a hidden resilience beneath the slender frame. Every move exuded a fatal attraction that held all eyes firmly.
Low-key yet flamboyant, rebellious yet fragile, simple yet luxurious.
How such contradictory qualities blended and became so natural on Anson, transforming into a different kind of vitality, was a mystery.
Moreover, it wasn't just about the look or the design. Fashion once again became an extension of the film—
Following the premiere, Anson was further blurring the lines between the movie and reality, bringing the character into real life. More shock, more impact, more thought—the red carpet became a part of the movie itself. Just one appearance, and memories of "The Elephant" flooded back.
The storm simply couldn't be stopped.
Involuntarily, everyone held their breath.
Simultaneously, cameras clicked like mad.
On the red carpet, there was a moment of silence, with only the chaotic shutter sounds filling the air, echoing loudly, showcasing a different facet of the red carpet.
Anson did it again—
After sweeping the opening and the premiere red carpet, he dominated the closing ceremony.
And he breathed life into Dior.
He made people truly understand why Anson was Hedi Slimane's muse. Only when Dior was on Anson did it become perfect.
It made people yearn.
Everyone wanted to be Anson, as if wearing that suit would transform them into Anson, giving them confidence and the power to change the world.
This was the true fashion icon, whose every move held unparalleled influence, ascending to the pinnacle.
Involuntarily, a surge of excitement filled the air.
Emmanuelle's fingers trembled as she continuously pressed the shutter. Despite being mentally prepared and having expectations beyond measure, being present at this moment and seeing Anson's appearance in person made that joy and excitement erupt like a volcano.
She loved her job.
Click, click, click—the shutters roared, creating the most wonderful symphony.
Gus turned around and saw that figure amidst the dazzling flashes, letting out a long breath. He quickly stepped aside and waved, signaling Anson to come over.
In the blinding light, Anson noticed and couldn't help but smile as he walked over, leisurely patting Gus on the back.
"Director, enjoy. Enjoy it to the fullest."
However, before Gus could respond, the flashes on the red carpet erupted with an incredible force, filling the space with a deafening roar.
Boom, boom, boom.
There was no need for Gus to reply. Looking at this crazed sea of people, he shrugged lightly. This was far more persuasive than words.
Anson laughed outright and turned to look at the stiff Alex and Eric.
Before Anson could ask, Alex took a deep breath and mouthed, "I'm scared."
Anson's eyes overflowed with amusement as he surveyed the surging crowd, "Me too."
Alex was stunned, and so was Eric.
Seeing this, Gus couldn't hold back and burst into laughter.
Click, click, click—the flashes roared, making the world spin.
Words weren't necessary to feel it; Cannes was once again enraptured by Anson. Yet, unlike the opening and the premiere, it was hard to tell if it was the movie, fashion, or Anson himself that captivated everyone. This exclusive town was quietly changing.
"Anson, Anson..."
"One more, Anson, just one more."
"A glance over the shoulder, Anson!"
Heart-wrenching, hoarse shouts filled the red carpet, an unceasing frenzy.
Typically, Anson didn't like staying too long on the red carpet: posing, changing angles—didn't it all look the same in the end?
But tonight, Eve instructed, "Stay a little longer, not too long, just a little bit"—
Firstly, to thank Hedi Slimane for standing by Anson's side and speaking out for him during difficult times.
Simultaneously, to show the Dior management the impact Dior had on Anson at Cannes. Even without an endorsement contract, Dior shouldn't miss this rare opportunity.
Secondly, it was for "The Elephant." Regardless of what happened at the awards ceremony tonight, whether the history Anson knew would continue as expected, as Eve said, they needed to start planning the film's release, promotion, and distribution.
A little more exposure would only help.
Especially for an independent art film like "The Elephant," which didn't have the budget for a premiere and didn't need one. Film festivals were the best platform to promote it, and the crew should seize the opportunity at Cannes to maximize its influence.
So.
Even though Anson thought the red carpet could end, he endured it and stayed a little longer.
He looked ahead to the side and noticed Alex, with a smile creeping up on his lips—
Alex was standing on the steps with his arms outstretched, taking a selfie.
This wasn't yet the era of smartphones, and selfies weren't popular. Even with a portable digital camera, selfies weren't that easy. So, Alex wanted to capture this moment with his camera, which was an interesting idea but indeed difficult, making him scratch his head.
Alex was considering whether to ask Eric or Anson for help, but a nearby photographer couldn't stand it and offered to assist.
Alex's smile fully bloomed.
It seemed Alex was finally starting to enjoy all this.
However.
At that moment, a tall, burly security guard in a black suit suddenly intervened. Without a word, he looked ahead without exchanging glances with Anson. He just extended his right arm to protect Anson and urged him to move forward—
Pushed.
It wasn't an exaggeration. The black suit was clearly exerting force, preparing to use brute strength to make Anson move.
Anson: ???