Maura Higgins Stuns At Cannes: A Red Carpet Debut To Remember!

Maura Higgins Makes a Glamorous Cannes Debut

On May 8, Maura Higgins broke the news to Vulture that she was saying goodbye to the Love Island USA villa and hello to the dazzling world of red carpets. Fast forward to May 12, and the former Aftersun host was making waves at her very first Cannes Film Festival. It's clear she's setting her sights on Hollywood stardom, and we have to ask – is she already on her way to becoming a major player?

Nothing screams "I've arrived" quite like stepping onto the 2026 Cannes Film Festival red carpet, especially just four months after the Season 4 finale of The Traitors catapulted Higgins into the limelight. If you missed her reality TV journey, you might think she's been a Cannes regular all along. Thanks to stylist Kris Fe, Higgins looked every bit the part in a strapless black gown with a striking white band along the neckline, designed by none other than New York City's Andrew Kwon.

"I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me, but I think it’s time to try something different," she shared with Vulture. "I’ve got amazing opportunities coming in the door. I think it’s time to say good-bye."

The Dress That Turned Heads

With Cannes enforcing the naked dress ban this summer, Higgins' ensemble was a masterclass in elegance without revealing too much. Her black, floor-length coat was impeccably opaque, yet it managed to turn heads and start conversations. The dress's train, extending a full five feet behind her, added drama to her entrance on the iconic Cannes staircase.

For her finishing touches, Higgins embraced Old Hollywood glamour with a side-parted bob and diamond stud earrings. Her back tattoo gleamed in the spotlight, serving as a bold substitute for a statement necklace.

A New Chapter for Higgins

From the sunny Love Island villa in Fiji to the glitz of the French Riviera, Higgins is embracing her new chapter with open arms. While she's moving on from Love Island, she carries fond memories and connections from that era. "I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me," she told Vulture.

Her next steps? Higgins is diving into Dancing With the Stars, taking on her first acting role in an Irish comedy called The Spin, and, of course, gracing the Cannes red carpet. Her black-and-white gown was a nod to fashion icons like Zendaya and Selena Gomez, proving that Higgins is doing her homework and making her mark on the fashion world.

When she landed in the South of France, Higgins didn't waste time showcasing her style chops. She donned a vintage Thierry Mugler skirt set, channeling the likes of Bella Hadid, Amal Clooney, and Margot Robbie. It's safe to say Maura Higgins is making the Cannes Film Festival her own Met Gala moment this year.