The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is about to kick off with a major change in its dress code that has sent shockwaves through the fashion world. The festival, known for its extravagant red carpet moments, has banned nudity and voluminous outfits that could hinder the flow of traffic and seating at the Grand Théâtre Lumière.
This new rule has raised many eyebrows as the Cannes red carpet has always been a platform for daring and bold fashion choices. The thought of not seeing traffic-stopping trains, giant tulle gowns, and free-the-nipple moments on the Croisette is hard to imagine. However, the enforcement of rules on the red carpet has always been inconsistent, with some celebrities being scolded or rushed through while others get to take their time.
Last year, Kelly Rowland made headlines when she was rushed up the red carpet by a security guard, highlighting the disparities in treatment among attendees. Other incidents involving Massiel Taveras, Yoona, and Sawa Pontyjska being manhandled or dragged away from photographers also shed light on the lack of uniformity in enforcing red carpet rules.
The big question now is how these new guidelines will be implemented and on whom. Will big stars like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner have to abide by the new dress code? Will skimpily-dressed influencers be turned away while established celebrities get a pass? The history of barely-there red carpet looks at Cannes suggests that some attendees may choose to ignore the new regulations.
It will be interesting to see how this change will impact the fashion landscape at Cannes and whether it will usher in a new era of more conservative looks. As we wait to see the red carpet moments at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, let’s take a look back at some of the most risqué red-carpet looks from previous years.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Cannes Film Festival as we witness the unfolding of this bold new chapter in its fashion history.
