At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the red carpet shimmered not just with celebrity glamour, but with the bold artistry of designer Rita Hoxha, the creative force behind Oxa Couture. Known for her sculptural silhouettes, meticulous craftsmanship, and fearless textures, Hoxha brought her signature vision to Cannes with a single, unforgettable creation. In a bold departure from traditional runway presentations, she chose to focus all her energy into one masterpiece—a dress that fused high fashion with cinematic drama. We spoke with Rita Hoxha about the story behind her Cannes debut, the philosophy that drives Oxa Couture, and the balance between artistry and wearability on one of fashion’s biggest stages.
Q: Your designs are known for their sculptural silhouettes and bold textures. How did you adapt your creative vision to resonate with the glamour of the Cannes Film Festival?
A: For Cannes, I wanted to stay true to my signature sculptural lines and textures while elevating them with a sense of cinematic drama. I designed a single dress that embodied this vision: a sculpted silhouette that hugged the body with precision, fully adorned with hand-applied crystals. The sparkle captured the essence of Cannes glamour, while voluminous layers of tulle added theatrical elegance—creating a powerful yet graceful presence on the red carpet.
Q: Cannes is a convergence of global cinema and fashion. How did this unique atmosphere influence the presentation of your collection?
A: The energy at Cannes is electric—full of storytelling, emotion, and a celebration of artistry. I wanted the piece I presented to speak that same language. The atmosphere inspired me to push boundaries. Rather than presenting multiple looks, I poured all my creative energy into a single unforgettable moment—a dress that could stand alone as a bold statement of craftsmanship and individuality.
Q: Can you share the story behind one of the standout pieces showcased at Cannes and what it symbolizes within your collection?
A: The standout piece was the only one I presented: a dress entirely covered in hand-applied crystals, paired with cascading layers of tulle. It symbolizes the strength and luminosity of the woman who wears it—radiant, confident, and unafraid to take up space. The sculpted structure represents form and control, while the flowing tulle brings softness and freedom. It’s a duality I love exploring in my work.
Q: Your work often blurs the lines between fashion and art. How do you balance avant-garde creativity with wearability, especially for high-profile events like Cannes?
A: I approach design as creating a moving sculpture—but I always consider how it will live on the body: how it feels, how it moves. For Cannes, the challenge was to make something visually bold yet elegant and effortless. The crystal work took hours of hand application, but the dress had to feel weightless when worn. That balance between drama and comfort is what makes the piece both artistic and wearable.
Q: What challenges did you encounter while preparing for Cannes, and how did they shape your approach to design and presentation?
A: Time and precision were the biggest challenges. Hand-applying every crystal demanded immense focus and care. I knew I had only one dress to make an impact, so every detail had to be perfect. The process taught me to trust the power of a singular vision—and to embrace the intensity of creation. The result wasn’t just a dress—it was an experience, both for me and for everyone who saw it.
Interview by Olga Gasnier
Red carper photographs by Victoria Pinsell