It was one of those moments when you are forced to take a sharp intake of breath. A moment when a face you are so familiar with suddenly presents itself to you in an entirely new light. And so we have Carey Mulligan, resplendent in blush-pink Dior Couture on the Cannes red carpet last night for the global premiere of The Great Gatsby. 

The gamine, Farrow-esque cuteness we'd become so used to has flitted away and in it's place, the inimitable elegance and poise of woman who knows her own worth - and her own beauty. And the hair! Where did the hair come from? Months - nay, years - of non-descript bobs and tousled chignons have all led up to this moment. Incomparably chic, Carey's hair - bright cashmere blonde, now sits neatly around her shoulders, tucked behind the ears and as glossy as spun silk. 

She could have so easily erred on the side of the caution with restrained, nude make-up - and she did - save for those blood-red matte lips, which surge the entire look with a beautiful, Italian Vogue sort of prowess. 

Jesus, even if the side boob was phenomenal. 

This, this was her Gwyneth pink dress Oscar moment - the awakening of an icon. Except on Carey the dress fits.