From the Archive: 1998’s “Party Planning” Sees Karen Elson Readying For a Big Night Out in Cannes

“Party Planning,” photographed by Michel Comte, was originally published in the August 1998 issue of Vogue.

Vogue’s November 1998 issue decamped to Cannes for the film festival and its dizzying array of parties. Karen Elson, with photographer Michel Comte in tow, displays her sun-soaked days by the seaside film festival—a combination of languor and whirlwinds. Here, she suns, parties, and primps.Scent of a woman: Karen gets cozy in a cashmere hooded cardigan by Ralph Lauren Collection.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998

Karen dons Estée Lauder’s air-pressurized, wader-style AromaSpa Lymphatic Leg Therapy boots—with a little inflation assistance from Peugeot’s Grand Prix team.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998

Weird science: Karen tries the newest quick skin fix on the market.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998

High society: Our heroine escapes the ten-day photo op that is Cannes, seeking seclusion poolside at a private villa.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998

Karen (in John Galliano) flanked by body guards from Harry Winston.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998

Karen takes a dip with Titanic’s Billy Zane.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998

Sunny-side up: After partying till dawn, more than one big-name guest has been known to strip down and hit the craggy rocks overlooking the sea in front of the Hotel du Cap cabanas.Photographed by Michel Comte, Vogue, August 1998