Balmain Supported 16 Black Actresses Making a Statement About Racial Inclusivity at Cannes
The women, all dressed in Balmain, gathered on the red carpet to promote their cause.

This year, the steps at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival has served as a place for protests and dissent. Over the weekend, Cate Blanchett led an 82-women #MeToo protest on the red carpet and just yesterday, 16 black actresses gathered around French actress Aïssa Maïga to make a statement of their own.
The women—including Nadège Beausson-Diagne, Mata Gabin, Maïmouna Gueye, Eye Haidara, Rachel Khan, Sara Martins, Marie-Philomène Nga, Sabine Pakora, Firmine Richard, Sonia Rolland, Magaajyia Silberfeld, Shirley Souagnon, Assa Sylla, Karidja Touré, and France Zobda, and Aïssa Maïga—all dressed in Balmain, wanted to call attention to their multimedia project “Noire N’est Pas Mon Metier,” which translated means, “Black Is Not My Profession.” The work aims to expose and denounce the discrimination black women face in the French and American entertainment industries.
Maïga had approached Olivier Rousteing of Balmain to create all their outfits, which he was on board with. Rousteing said he recognized the discrimination the women have faced and wanted to express his support for their project.
See all the powerful imagery below.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at Marie Claire, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's now the Senior Commerce Editor at House Beautiful, where she owns coverage on deals and sales across home decor and accessories, in-depth product reviews on furniture and appliances, as well as news around new product launches since 2023. With help from leading designers and tastemakers, Marina spotlights quality products while tracking current design trends, a skill she’s mastered over six years in fashion media. Marina holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stony Brook University, beginning her career in narrative-driven commerce coverage as an editorial assistant at PopSugar.
-
Next-Gen Perfume Has One Purpose: To Stay on Your Skin
Solid fragrances take lasting power to a new level.
By Siena Gagliano Published
-
'Million Dollar Secret' Introduces a New, Lovable Reality TV Host—Here's What to Know About Peter Serafinowicz
It's safe to say we're now obsessed with the British comedian keeping The Stag in order.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Zoë Kravitz Gives Adidas Sneakers a Major Date Night Upgrade
The actor tapped The Row for dinner with her rumored fling.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Chase Sui Wonders Finds '90s Nostalgia in a Rare Spring '97 Prada Dress
At \201cThe Studio\201d premiere, she channeled Gwyneth Paltrow’s '90s-era style with an archival Prada print once worn by the star.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Marie Claire Editors Are Obsessed With This Cult-Favorite Sale
SSENSE has everything a fashion enthusiast could ever want.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Spring 2025's Candy-Coated Shoe Color Trends Prove Neutrals Are Overrated
Bold pastels and sugar-sweet hues promise to overtake your boring shoe lineup.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Issa Rae Is Fueling Her Mogul Era With More Me Time
The key to her success lies in self-care.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
13 Hailey Bieber Outfit Formulas Defining Her Laidback Personal Style
Copy and paste to your closet.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
8 Women Over 60 Share Their Age-Defying Fashion Wisdom
These eight style icons prove that age-appropriate fashion is a myth.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Method Dressing Was the Secret Standout Trend on the 2025 Oscars Red Carpet
From thoughtful color choices to blink-and-you-miss-it details.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Lily-Rose Depp Makes Her 2025 Oscars Red Carpet Debut in a Lacy Naked Dress
Jaws dropped at her Chanel couture.
By Lauren Tappan Published