The 2025 edition of the Cannes Film Festival is underway, bringing the signature spectacle of daily star-studded appearances on the iconic steps of the Palais des Festivals.
Embed from Getty ImagesFamiliar faces like Robert De Niro, Quentin Tarantino, Claude Lelouch, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Kruz, Juliette Armanet and other celebrities made their red carpet entrances on opening night. But this year, beneath the glamour, the global stage cast long shadows — with tensions from Ukraine, Gaza, and fresh debate over the Trump presidency stirring conversation.
Festival jury president Juliette Binoche, known for her outspoken nature, will remain diplomatically silent this year. Her influence will come through the Palme d’Or, the top prize to be awarded on May 24, reflecting the jury’s collective voice.
Though cinema is front and center, fashion and beauty remain global talking points, and 2025’s new red carpet rules are causing a stir.
Despite stricter guidelines, celebrities and some newcomers continue to turn heads, proving the red carpet is still alive with flair and rebellion.
Just picture this: your lavish gown, trailing behind you in a sweep of elegance — now officially off-limits.
That’s the reality at Cannes 2025, where a newly implemented dress code reshapes the red carpet tradition.
A Dress Code That Redefines Cannes Glamour
For decades, Cannes has represented the pinnacle of cinematic and fashion opulence. Celebrities have historically used the red carpet to showcase daring, artistic and sometimes outrageous looks. But this year, organisers released a formal dress code outlining strict limitations on attire during red carpet appearances.
The intent? To improve guest flow, enhance safety and promote a sense of decorum. But the response has been mixed, igniting discussion about individual expression and the essence of the festival itself.
Long Trains Banned: Style Meets Practicality
One of the most talked-about changes is the ban on long trains. These dramatic designs, beloved by haute couture houses, are now seen as impractical. They cause traffic jams on the carpet and disrupt theatre seating.
One high-profile jury member admitted during a press conference:
«I had an incredible dress, but the train was too long. I’ll follow the rules and change my outfit.»
The move may seem subtle, but it strikes at a visual hallmark of Cannes. Consider Nicole Kidman‘s flowing Dior gown in 2013 — iconic moments now at risk. Still, with thousands walking the carpet nightly, organisers insist that efficiency must come first.
Nudity No Longer Welcome: Redefining Elegance
Another notable rule: an explicit ban on nudity. Cannes has long embraced the sheer, the provocative and the avant-garde. But now, organisers are drawing the line, citing institutional decorum and French legal standards.
Supporters say this preserves the event’s prestige and shields it from unnecessary controversy. Critics argue that such restrictions curb the festival’s artistic spirit. Still, some jury members applauded the rule as creating a more respectful environment for all.
Heels Optional: A Step Toward Gender Equality
Not all the changes are restrictive. In a progressive twist, high heels are no longer required for women on the red carpet. Women can now wear elegant sandals with or without heels — a major win after years of debate about gendered fashion expectations.
In 2023, an American actress drew attention for climbing the steps in flip-flops after her planned shoes became unbearable. Earlier protests in 2016 and 2018 saw stars ditching their heels in defiance.
«This is a great rule. Women should feel comfortable and still look elegant.»
— Jury President, Cannes 2025
A New Balance Between Tradition and Change
Many of these rules aren’t entirely new — they codify what had long been informal expectations. Organisers emphasise that the goal isn’t to stifle creativity, but to ensure safety, decorum, and equal access. For example, oversized gowns in crowded spaces can pose real safety hazards.
Here’s a summary of the key changes:
- Long trains are banned: Simplifies movement, reduces logistical problems
- Nudity is prohibited: Encourages more modest, respectful attire
- Heels are optional: Enhances comfort and freedom for women
- Non-compliance penalties: May result in denial of red carpet access
How Celebrities Are Adapting
Some stars have welcomed the shift as a chance to get creative, crafting chic, rule-compliant looks that are still expressive. One actress competing this year said she saw the changes as a way to embrace more minimal, structured silhouettes.
Others mourn the loss of what they call fashion freedom. Custom couture, often months in the making, is more than style, it’s storytelling. But designers are already responding by creating statement-making pieces that respect the new guidelines.
2025: A Red Carpet in Motion
The Cannes red carpet is more than a fashion runway — a cultural barometer. This year reflects a growing tension between tradition and modernity, freedom and formality. While divisive, these changes could reshape red carpet fashion in the years ahead.
Early reactions suggest that Cannes’ elite are embracing the challenge, with designers finding new ways to elevate elegance within limits.
What’s Next: Cannes as a Trendsetter?
These decisions may influence other major cultural events, from Venice’s Mostra to the Oscars. By setting explicit expectations, Cannes raises an important question: should festivals prioritise spectacle or structure?
For now, the world watches Cannes 2025 — every step, every look, a statement. Whether this marks a style revolution or refinement, one thing is clear: Cannes remains a stage for elegance, imagination and reinvention.
As heels transition to flats and flowing gowns give way to sleek designs, Cannes once again demonstrates its ability to evolve without losing its legendary sparkle.
