Jane FondaAll those years of aerobics have served Jane Fonda well, and today for the premier of De Rouille et D’os at the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival it showed. She looked simply stunning in a form-fitting black and white gown by Stella McCartney. The woman is 74 years old, and she could give many 20-year-olds a run for their money.

Of course the dress helps (not that she needs it), as it's one of those "optical illusion" dresses that everyone who's anyone has taken to wearing these days. From Kris Jenner to Kate Winslet, it's THE dress of the slightly older, more self-conscience crowd.

The design is brilliant as the contrasting colors create an hour glass figure on someone who may not exactly have one with nary a diet or scalpel necessary. It's no wonder so many designers and buyers have hopped on the bandwagon.

Fonda, however, rocks it better than anyone I've seen. The green ring and earrings set off the black and white beautifully, and the small clutch she's carrying is the perfect non-competing touch. 

No matter what she wears though, she's such an amazing example of timeless beauty and an inspiration to all of us as we age. In a recent interview with Liz Smith, she talked about her role as a "messenger of hope.":

I'm a 74-year-old woman who is sending a message to people behind me, mostly women, but some men as well. You don't have to give up. You don't have to accept a downhill battle -- you peak at midlife and then decline into decrepitude. And boy, is it OK for women to have muscles, be fit, have relationships, sexual and or emotional. It's a staircase, you're evolving. It's external and internal. I think I'm a messenger. I think I'm a messenger of hope.

Indeed you are, Jane.

 Do you love Jane Fonda's look? Would you wear one of these dresses?


Image via Splash