On Sunday, Bella Hadid was seen on the French Riviera enjoying a sunny day with her close friend Fanny Bourdette-Donon. The pair spent time aboard a luxurious yacht and later took to the water on a jet ski, with the model seated in front as they zipped across the Mediterranean Sea. Photographers captured Hadid wearing a striking one-piece swimsuit that instantly drew attention for its bold, vintage-inspired design.
The swimsuit featured a colorful geometric pattern and was trimmed with fringed edges, while the cut of the shorts—flattering boy-leg style with scalloped details—gave it a nostalgic, 1970s vibe. The overall look was both playful and sophisticated, perfectly suited for a glamorous day on the French Riviera. Her friend opted for a classic red string bikini, creating a complementary contrast against the yacht's sleek white deck.
Background and Fashion Influence
Bella Hadid, born on October 9, 1996, in Washington, D.C., has established herself as one of the most recognizable models in the fashion industry. As the daughter of real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and former model Yolanda Hadid, she grew up in a world of style and glamour. Her older sister, Gigi Hadid, is also a prominent model, and the two have often been compared for their striking looks and runway success. With dark hair and piercing eyes, Bella carved her own niche, walking for high-end designers like Versace, Dior, and Givenchy, and appearing in campaigns for Bulgari, Fendi, and Calvin Klein. Her style is often described as edgy yet refined, and she has become a muse for many fashion houses.
Hadid's presence at the Cannes Film Festival has been a highlight of her career for nearly a decade. She first walked the red carpet in 2016 wearing a custom Roberto Cavalli couture gown, a moment she recently reflected on via Instagram. In a carousel post shared just days before this Saint-Tropez outing, she wrote: “Nine years of my favorite week 🎬,” celebrating her longstanding relationship with the festival. Each year, she pushes the boundaries of red carpet fashion, and this year was no exception.
Cannes 2025: A Series of Show-Stopping Looks
During the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Hadid delivered a series of unforgettable ensembles. Last weekend, she attended the screening of La Bataille de Gaulle: L’Âge de Fer wearing a transparent lace Schiaparelli gown that left little to the imagination. The dress featured a dramatic cutout at the back, accentuated by an oversized black bow that added a touch of theatricality. The form-fitting silhouette highlighted her toned figure, and she paired it with exquisite Chopard jewelry, including diamond earrings and a statement ring. The look was widely praised for its audacity and elegance.
On May 17, Hadid appeared at the Garance screening accompanied by her brother, Anwar Hadid. For this event, she chose a pristine white satin Prada gown that exuded classic red carpet sophistication. The dress had clean lines, a modest neckline, and subtle draping that moved beautifully as she walked. Anwar, dressed in a black suit, looked every bit the supportive sibling. The duo's coordinated appearance was a hit among fans and photographers alike.
Following the festival, the siblings were spotted in Saint-Tropez, where Bella wore a sleek black Massimo Dutti dress that offered a more casual yet still refined aesthetic. Anwar complemented her in loose black pants, a black tank top, and a simple baseball cap—an outfit that captured the relaxed vibe of the Côte d'Azur. Even in off-duty moments, Hadid's fashion sense remains impeccable.
Details of the Vintage One-Piece
The vintage-style one-piece that sparked the initial interest is a standout piece for summer. With its geometric multicolor blocks and fringed embellishments, it evokes the playful spirit of beachwear from the 1970s while incorporating modern fabrication and fit. The scalloped edges along the leg openings and the halter neckline add a sense of femininity and retro charm. It is reminiscent of designs seen on fashion icons like Farrah Fawcett or Jane Birkin, yet tailored to contemporary tastes. Hadid accessorized simply, with dark sunglasses and natural makeup, allowing the swimsuit to remain the focal point.
The choice of such a vibrant piece reflects a broader trend in summer fashion toward bold prints and nostalgic silhouettes. Many designers have revived the high-waisted, boy-short style for swimwear, and Hadid's look is a perfect endorsement of this revival. Her ability to seamlessly merge vintage aesthetics with modern sensibilities is part of what makes her a style authority.
Hadid's Reflections on Nine Years at Cannes
In the days leading up to the festival, Hadid took to social media to share a carousel of images from her past Cannes appearances. The collection included her debut Roberto Cavalli look, as well as later gowns from Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Givenchy. Each photo showcased a different facet of her evolving style. The caption “Nine years of my favorite week” resonated with fans who have followed her journey from a rising model to an established fashion fixture. The post garnered hundreds of thousands of likes, with comments praising her versatility and dedication to the red carpet.
Hadid has often spoken about the pressure of attending Cannes, noting that it is one of the most photographed events in the world. In interviews, she has mentioned the meticulous planning that goes into each look, from fittings to final styling decisions. Her ability to consistently deliver memorable moments is a testament to her understanding of fashion as performance art.
Beyond the Red Carpet
Outside of the festival circuit, Hadid has used her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. She is outspoken on Palestinian rights, environmental issues, and mental health awareness. Her personal life, including a highly publicized relationship with artist Marc Kalman, has also made headlines, though she prefers to keep much of her private life away from the spotlight. Professionally, she continues to book major campaigns and walk in top fashion shows, maintaining her status as a supermodel in a competitive industry.
Her presence on the French Riviera this week is a reminder that even when she is not on the red carpet, Hadid commands attention. The image of her on a jet ski, hair blowing in the wind, wearing a colorful one-piece, encapsulates the carefree luxury that the Côte d'Azur represents. It also demonstrates her versatility: she can transform from a high-fashion goddess in couture to a beachside influencer in vintage-inspired swimwear.
The Riviera setting has long been a playground for the rich and famous, and Hadid fits seamlessly into that narrative. Her friendship with Fanny Bourdette-Donon, a stylist and influencer, highlights her connections within the fashion world. Together, they embody the spirit of youthful, sophisticated travel.
As the summer progresses, it is likely that more images of Hadid's European holiday will surface. For now, her vintage-style one-piece has already become a talking point, with fans and fashion critics dissecting every detail. Whether she is attending a film premiere or enjoying a jet ski ride, Bella Hadid remains a compelling figure in contemporary fashion, one who effortlessly blends nostalgia with modernity.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News