The Cannes Film Festival Dress Code: A Fashionable Backfire
The Cannes Film Festival has long been a beacon of glamour, where the world’s most celebrated stars showcase their fashion prowess on the iconic red carpet. However, the 2025 festival has introduced a new dress code that has sparked controversy and debate among attendees and fashion enthusiasts alike. Intended to shift the focus away from extravagant outfits, the new restrictions have instead ignited a fervor for fashion, proving that the allure of the red carpet is as potent as ever.
A Shift in Dress Code
Just 24 hours before the festival kicked off, organizers unveiled a set of wardrobe restrictions aimed at streamlining the red carpet experience. Cascading trains and nudity—often embodied by the popular "naked dress" trend—were banned in the name of "decency." This decision was met with immediate backlash, with stylist Karla Welch labeling it "lame and patriarchal" on social media. Stylist Maeve Reilly echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over the limitations imposed on creative expression.
Despite the restrictions, the early entries on the 2025 best-dressed list suggest that stars have risen to the challenge, delivering stunning looks that still capture the essence of Cannes glamour. The festival’s best-dressed have proven that even within the confines of a dress code, creativity can flourish.
Star-Studded Arrivals
As the festival commenced, A-listers like Bella Hadid and Eva Longoria graced the red carpet, showcasing their fashion acumen. Hadid, in a breathtaking Saint Laurent gown styled by Molly Dickson, demonstrated that one can achieve heart-stopping proportions without baring much skin. Julia Garner also made waves in a sequined Gucci gown that artfully blended textures, proving that glamour is not solely defined by revealing attire.
Zoe Saldaña stunned in a classic little black dress paired with a matching jacket, while legacy stars like Angelina Jolie and Natalie Portman made their long-awaited returns. Jolie, attending Cannes for the first time in over a decade, donned a sculpted Brunello Cucinelli gown, while Portman dazzled in a custom Dior piece that showcased intricate craftsmanship.
The Fashion Debate
The new dress code has not only influenced what stars wear but has also sparked a broader conversation about fashion norms and expectations at high-profile events. Kristen Stewart, known for her boundary-pushing style, made a statement in an ivory shorts suit, challenging the anti-see-through agenda with a sheer skirt at a photo call. Her androgynous look serves as a powerful reminder of how women can redefine traditional red carpet attire.
As the festival progresses, the fashion stakes continue to rise. Eva Longoria, a Cannes veteran, has embraced the spirit of the event with a series of bold looks, including a dazzling emerald green gown by Elie Saab. Her choice to wear sequins not only defies the dress code but also highlights her commitment to pushing fashion boundaries.
Iconic Moments and Memorable Looks
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has already delivered a plethora of memorable moments. Emma Stone’s futuristic custom Louis Vuitton gown, featuring a surrealist split white bib, has captured attention, while Ariana Greenblatt’s sculptural Louis Vuitton gown showcases the potential for innovative design within the dress code’s limits.
Irina Shayk has taken the opportunity to reimagine the classic black evening gown, transitioning from a frothy Armani Privé confection to a feathered Elie Saab creation that channels the drama of "Black Swan." Each look not only adheres to the new guidelines but also elevates the conversation around what constitutes red carpet fashion.
The Ongoing Fashion Narrative
As the festival continues through May 24, the excitement surrounding the red carpet shows no signs of waning. With each day bringing new sightings of runway and custom couture, the stars are not merely adhering to a dress code; they are redefining it. The ongoing debate over the restrictions has only fueled the desire for bold, creative expression, ensuring that the Cannes Film Festival remains a focal point of fashion innovation.
In this dynamic landscape, the stars are proving that even in the face of limitations, the allure of the red carpet is as captivating as ever. The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is not just a showcase of films; it is a celebration of fashion, creativity, and the enduring spirit of glamour.
