The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has officially kicked off with its trademark blend of cinematic celebration and sartorial spectacle. Yet this year, all eyes weren’t just on the films or the stars — but on what they wore and, notably, what they didn’t. For the first time in its illustrious history, the festival implemented a stricter dress code aimed at restoring what organizers describe as a sense of “decency” and enhancing red carpet management.
A Shift in Fashion Culture
The updated dress code comes as a response to the growing trend of “naked dresses” and dramatic gowns with cumbersome trains, which, according to festival officials, have disrupted the flow and decorum of the red carpet in recent years. Sheer materials, excessive cutouts, and garments revealing too much skin are now largely unwelcome. Similarly, voluminous dresses with extensive fabric were discouraged for practical reasons, such as reducing red carpet delays and safety hazards.
While this move sparked debate among stylists and celebrities prior to the event, many stars adapted seamlessly to the new regulations, using creativity and refined elegance to make powerful fashion statements within the revised parameters.
Bella Hadid: Subtle Sensuality in Saint Laurent
Model Bella Hadid made one of the most talked-about appearances on the opening night, arriving in a dramatic black gown by Saint Laurent. With a high hip slit and asymmetrical strappy back, the dress delivered a dose of sultry glamour without crossing into overtly provocative territory. Hadid demonstrated that daring and decorum can coexist, especially when accessorized with precision. She wore dazzling 118.68-carat emerald earrings from Chopard and rhinestone-encrusted heels that elevated the entire look.
Her ensemble stood as a masterclass in compliance with the new code while still turning heads — proof that the art of suggestion often trumps overt exposure on the red carpet.
Eva Longoria: Glamour in Metallics
Actress Eva Longoria also rose to the occasion, choosing a sleek and modern metallic gown designed by Tamara Ralph. The dress featured a sharply tailored silhouette that radiated power and poise — qualities reflective of both her personal brand and the festival’s new direction. She paired the outfit with statement jewelry from Pasquale Bruni, completing a look that was polished, contemporary, and rule-abiding.
Longoria’s appearance affirmed that embracing the dress code need not compromise star power or red carpet impact.
Halle Berry: Fashion Adjustment Under Pressure
Not all stars had a smooth sartorial journey. Actress Halle Berry reportedly had to abandon her original outfit choice — a dramatic voluminous gown — due to the newly introduced regulations. At the last minute, she switched to a striped piece by Jacquemus. Unfortunately, the choice did not resonate with everyone. Critics described the design as somewhat “shapeless,” lacking the bold statement many had come to expect from the Hollywood veteran.
Still, Berry’s willingness to adapt underscored a broader message: Cannes now demands not just fashion sense, but fashion discipline.
Irina Shayk: Elegance Revived with Armani Privé
Supermodel Irina Shayk embraced the festival’s nostalgic undertone with an Armani Privé gown that blended vintage elegance and modern refinement. Adorned with intricate silver detailing, the dress channeled Old Hollywood glamour — especially when paired with elbow-length gloves. Shayk’s appearance received widespread praise, suggesting that timeless fashion remains a potent force on the red carpet, even in an era that often chases viral sensations.
Julia Garner: Innovation within Limits
Actress Julia Garner delivered a nuanced response to the dress code through her bespoke Gucci ensemble. The design featured a nude-toned sequin base with a layer of sheer black fabric draped across the shoulders and down the gown, striking a perfect balance between allure and restraint. Garner’s look showcased the potential for innovation within constraint, a sentiment increasingly relevant in the fashion world as social norms continue to evolve.
New Standards, New Creativity
Though the new regulations initially raised concerns about restricting individual expression, many stars have embraced the challenge as an opportunity to redefine glamour. The 2025 red carpet has seen a shift from shock value to sophistication, from exposure to elegance.
Instead of stifling style, Cannes’ dress code appears to have pushed designers and celebrities to explore more refined aesthetics and showcase the craftsmanship of couture in less ostentatious ways. This change may signal a broader cultural shift in celebrity fashion — one where luxury and discipline go hand in hand.
As the festival continues, the early verdict is clear: the Cannes red carpet remains one of the world’s most prestigious fashion runways, even — or perhaps especially — when it demands a little more restraint.
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