Marion Cotillard and Monica Bellucci sport contrasting glamour at Cannes

Day 1 at the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival saw two main leading ladies strike a pose at opposite ends of the style spectrum: characteristically sensual dark beauty for Bellucci and understated edgy chic for Cotillard.

Looking the part in a diaphanous two-tone Christian Dior gown, Monica Bellucci paid the ultimate tribute to French haute couture as she stepped out for the grand opening ceremony on Wednesday. The Italian actress who presides this year's event donned her third sombre ensemble of the day, staying true to her taste for enigmatic screen siren-esque glamour.

The mistress of ceremonies accented her revealing two-tone black and navy off-the-shoulder gown with a scintillating statement pendant by Cartier, Bellucci's go-to luxury jeweler.

Earlier in the day, Bellucci had appeared in a chic belted black jumpsuit with spliced neckline and sleeve detailing, and just the right amount of sparkle in the form of a diamond clasp grazing the neckline. Killer heels and oversize Ralph Lauren shades completed the pulled-together look.

Meanwhile, Marion Cotillard stole the show with an irreverent choice of red carpet attire for the "Ismael's Ghosts" photocall. Whipping up a media storm, the Academy-award winning actress and face of Dior dazzled in Y/Project turn-up jeans worn and a t-shirt dress with lace-up split detailing in white, which is emerging as one of Cannes' favorite red carpet hues this year. Fellow actresses Fan Bingbing and Lily-Rose Depp also opted for a whiter shade of pale.

In contrast with Monica Bellucci's sophisticated Cannes wardrobe, Cotillard kept her daywear loose and laid-back. Her relaxed, unfiltered style was echoed with similarly fuss-free hair and makeup.

After dark, Cotillard upped her game, "slipping into character" as it were, re-appearing in a strapless pinstripe mullet dress by French bad boy of fashion, Jean-Paul Gaultier. A safe bet, featuring the previously tried-and-tested lacing and split combo, this time drawing attention to the actress and now mother of two's legs and décollété.

While Bellucci and Cotillard's red carpet style largely begged to differ, the two share some common ground via this summer's defining cold-shoulder trend.