By Dr. Olga Roh, editor Lifestyle and Culture, Creative Director of Rohmir & Official Designer of Miss Switzerland
Every year, Cannes transforms into a shimmering jewel of glamour, culture, and just the right amount of je ne sais quoi – a place where even the Mediterranean breeze seems to whisper secrets of art, fashion and diplomacy. This year’s 78th Cannes Film Festival gifted us an evening to remember at the Bright Oriental – Global Ceremony held at the unspeakably beautiful shore of the Barrière Majestic Hotel, where East met West in a fashionably poetic handshake.
The APECCCF Gala was less a gathering and more a harmonious symphony – a true cultural waltz with a sprinkle of champagne bubbles courtesy of Ruinart. (Founded in 1729, Ruinart has mastered patience — much like waiting for a Chinese proverb to make perfect sense. They say, “Patience is a bitter plant, but its fruit is sweet.” I can attest to that, as those Ruinart bubbles are as sweet as a scandal-free Cannes evening — rare, but oh so satisfying.)
The guest list sparkled brighter than the Riviera sun: Ms. Kisrane, President of the Alpes-Maritimes Department Council; Mr. Chikli, Cannes’ Mayor’s envoy; Mr. Rocha, President of the Miss Universe Organization; and Lu Xianren, the famed Chinese fashion influencer, among others. Basically, if charisma were a currency, the place was flush.
Yours truly had the honour of receiving the Gardenia Peace Award — proof that a decade as a high-end garments factory owner and, of course, dressing celebrities across the globe, including China and Hong Kong can eventually translate into fabulous French Riviera trophies. My career as a fashion designer – later crowned by my role as official designer of Miss Switzerland – truly began with those first steps in the South of France and later in Paris…
The favourite canvas of this evening?
No doubts, Véronique Faravel’s art exhibition, adding a touch of emotional finesse – the kind that reminds you culture is the universal language, even if your cocktail glass has mysteriously emptied.
What else? A soul-stirring performance of the most popular love anthems. La Vie en Rose saw a bit of rushing forth and back – an unusual approach for such a classic declaration, but hey, every Edith Piaf has her own style, right? On the other hand, the Alicia Keys song hit the mark perfectly:
“But I don’t want nothing if I ain’t got you…” – “if I ain’t got you, Cannes…!” which, frankly, summed up the 78th Cannes Festival perfectly. Fashion shows, live violin performance only to name some other highlights… Because when East meets West with a glass of Ruinart in hand, you don’t just feel the culture – you live it, preferably with a bit of grace.
Now, a little Chinese wisdom to seal the evening: Confucius once said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” And if you ask me, that night was a perfect testament to that – a gathering where hearts, ideas, and cultures mingled freely, proving true connection requires no translator, only genuine intent (and perhaps a bit of Ruinart).
So, Cannes, did you feel the love? I certainly did – in every handshake, every smile, and every effervescent bubble rising to the surface. Joie de vivre: where the heart goes, no distance is too far.