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On the eve of its grand opening, the Cannes Film Festival unveiled a revamped red carpet dress code. Out with sweeping trains, sheer dresses, and sneakers. In with tasteful elegance and practical flair. This year, stars and designers had to adapt fast.
The 2025 edition reasserts the Festival’s fashion authority with a stricter code for gala events. Published just one day before the opening ceremony, it caught publicists, fashion houses, and celebrities by surprise. According to the official site: “For gala screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière around 7 PM and 10 PM, formal attire (evening gown, tuxedo) is required.”
Some flexibility remains. Alternatives include a little black dress, cocktail attire, a dark pantsuit, or a dressy top with tailored black trousers. Men may wear a black or navy suit with a dark tie or bow tie.
This new policy reflects a delicate balance between tradition and modernity.
The New Fashion Rulebook
The updated code sets out clear restrictions aimed at ensuring smooth crowd flow and maintaining a respectful tone. Nudity is now explicitly banned: see-through or provocative outfits are no longer welcome, either on the red carpet or in other festival spaces. Voluminous gowns with long trains are also prohibited—they hinder movement and make seating difficult.
The change led jury member Halle Berry to revise her outfit at the last minute. Large bags—tote bags, backpacks, oversized purses—are banned too, although a coat check near the Gare Maritime remains open until 12:30 AM. Footwear must be stylish: no sneakers allowed. Sandals and pumps are acceptable—heels optional, elegance mandatory.
Rebels & Icons
Naturally, some stars ignored the memo. Heidi Klum appeared in a strapless pink gown with a nearly four-meter train. Chinese actress Wan QianHui showed up in a voluminous white tulle dress, clearly defying the new guidelines. Neither was stopped from walking the red carpet.
A point of progress: flats are now allowed. Once unthinkable, this shift was celebrated by Juliette Binoche. “I’m thrilled! I once sprained my ankle climbing those stairs in stilettos,” she joked. Now, elegant shoes—with or without heels—are officially red carpet-approved.
Cannes Remains a Fashion Powerhouse
Though the protocol sparked debate, it doesn’t dull Cannes’ magic. The red carpet still stands as a global showcase for fashion. Designers, couture houses, and stylists continue to use it to debut their most dazzling work.
Italian designer Giorgia Viola—famed for bold, voluminous gowns—opted for more restrained looks this year, instinctively aligned with the new rules.
Even if a few gowns don’t make it past the velvet rope, countless off-site soirées remain. In Cannes, every hallway, every camera flash, is an opportunity to make a statement.
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