These Stars Broke the Cannes Dress Code

The fashion world was thrown into crisis last week when, one day before the Cannes Film Festival kicked off, a rather stringent dress code was imposed.

Hours before opening night, the international festival—which reliably draws some of the biggest red carpet moments of the year—released a statement banning voluminous frocks that “hinder the proper flow of traffic” and, citing “decency reasons,” naked dresses. It was serious: Attendees were threatened with denial of entry if they did not obey. The crackdown spread through social media like wildfire, being met with a sense of annoyance, foreboding, and for the stylists who had spent months planning looks, panic.

Chaos ensued. Tweets went viral, think pieces were penned. At a junket upon arriving, Halle Berry lamented that she would not be able to wear the “amazing” dress she had packed. It begged the question: How will Cannes look with skirts that don’t surpass heels and exclusively opaque materials?

When Zoe Saldaña walked the carpet up in a simple—though lovely—black column dress, many thought their fears were confirmed: this year’s red carpet would be safe and predictable. But rules are meant to be broken. And at Cannes, they always are.

For her part, Halle Berry made her 2025 Cannes red carpet debut in a tasteful striped number that ended right at her feet. It had a perfectly practical length, a billowy silhouette and a notable absence of sheer. It was definitely within dress code, a safe alternative to whatever outstanding outfit she had planned. But for her second appearance, she seemed to take a different approach.

At the Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning premiere, Berry walked up the steps in a frothy Celia Kritharioti number, complete with a corset top and a bulbous train that followed behind her. This surely hinders the flow of traffic and complicates theatre seating. A blatant violation! Still, Berry blew kisses to the cameras with unbothered ease, her tousled bob flowing in the wind.

It’s become clear that, this year, there is a new level to red carpet risk-taking at Cannes. Sure, beautiful gowns are nice—but defying regulations and facing the risk of being escorted out? A fashion mission! Since the festival kicked off on May 13, there have already been a slew of looks that broke the rules.

Behold, the stars that have done away with the Cannes festival dress code.

Heidi Klum

Wearing an Elie Saab gown, Klum looked like a blossoming flower as she walked the coveted red carpet. The candy-coloured confection was pure couture drama, and undoubtedly frowned upon by organizers. As FASHION’s Cessi Treñas said on Slack, “Interesting that Heidi’s dress was approved.” ...Or was it?

Wan QianHui

Chinese actor Wan QianHui descended in front of photographers in a cloud-like number, complete with effervescent bouquets of micro-pleated frothy fabric. Not only did it look difficult to walk in, but it appeared most definitely to obstruct the paths of passersby.

Eva Longoria

Another Elie Saab number, this sequinned halter neck number cascaded from Eva Longoria as she walked up the theatre steps in the South of France. Trailing behind her was a long, slender, glistening train. It may not have been perilously capacious, but was it a tripping hazard? Bien oui.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Strapless, emerald green, and intricately draped, this couture Zuhair Murad ensemble worn by model Alessandra Ambrosio was as long as it was glamorous. Luckily, the detachable ruffled sleeves mean Ambrosio could likely remove the train before entering the theatre. Very considerate.

Elsa Hosk

The model’s feathery dress—courtesy of designer by Anastasia Zadorina—was so long, it required its own carrier. (Certain pictures show someone dressed in all black, following her on the carpet and tossing her skirt into the air to maximize its ethereal effect.) Perhaps then, it’s permissible—counting as enough material for two.

Frida Aasen

Sure, naked dresses might have been forbidden, but no one said anything about a naked top. Norweigen model Frida Aasen skillfully side-stepped the sartorial rules in a sculpted Victoria Beckham shirt that appears to be sheer, but doesn’t cross into full translucent territory. Well played.