The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has officially begun, transforming the French Riviera into a dazzling hub of cinema and high fashion.
Running from May 13 to May 24, the 78th edition of the festival promises two weeks of red-carpet glamour, cinematic masterpieces, and, inevitably, a few controversies. This year, the spotlight isn’t just on the films—it’s also on the festival’s last-minute dress code changes, which have sparked heated debates among stylists and stars alike.
The Cannes Film Festival’s updated 2025 dress code, prohibiting nudity and restricting long trains on the red carpet, has become one of the season’s most talked-about fashion controversies.
Festival organizers implemented the rules citing “decency” concerns and practical considerations for crowd flow, though many stylists and stars have criticized the changes as unnecessarily restrictive. While the guidelines aim to maintain the event’s elegance, they’ve sparked debate about artistic expression versus tradition, with some seeing them as a step backward in an era of fashion that celebrates bold individuality.
Nevertheless, celebrities and their teams have risen to the challenge, proving that glamour and creativity can thrive even within boundaries, as evidenced by the stunning looks gracing the Palais des Festivals steps this year.
Here are the most iconic looks from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
he iconic red carpet at the Grand Théâtre Lumière opened with a star-studded ceremony, honoring Robert De Niro with an honorary Palme d’Or presented by Leonardo DiCaprio. A-listers like Julia Garner, Eva Longoria, and Bella Hadid made striking entrances, proving that even with new restrictions, banning sheer “naked” dresses and voluminous trains, Cannes remains a showcase of bold fashion. The updated rules, enforced for “decency” and to ease crowd flow, have drawn criticism as overly restrictive, echoing the festival’s long history of contentious dress codes.
Yet, the glamour hasn’t dimmed. Whether through sleek silhouettes or daring reinterpretations of elegance, the red carpet has already delivered unforgettable moments—proving that even with constraints, fashion at Cannes will always captivate.
As the festival unfolds, all eyes will remain on how stars push boundaries within—or against—the new rules.
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Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram
