The French Riviera has once again transformed into a glamorous gala as the Cannes Film Festival 2025 kicked off on May 13. Running through May 24, this 78th edition of the festival promises a spectacular showcase of cinema and couture, and Day 1 set the bar sky-high.
From fashion rule-breakers to timeless elegance, celebrities turned the iconic red carpet into a dazzling runway. Let's dive into the eye-grabbing fashion moments from Day 1 at Cannes.
Bella Hadid
Supermodel Bella Hadid is never one to play it safe, and she certainly didn't this time. She stepped out in a sultry black Yves Saint Laurent gown that redefined red carpet boldness. With a sharply cut low back, daring side detail, and a dramatic thigh-high slit, Bella proved that dress codes are merely suggestions in her fashion playbook. She kept her accessories minimal, with just a pair of statement earrings, letting the dress do all the talking.
Eva Longoria
Adding some shimmer to the red carpet, American actress Eva Longoria turned heads in a beautifully crafted Tamara Ralph Couture creation from the Spring-Summer 2025 collection. Her gown, beaded in rose gold from top to toe, contrasted elegantly with a dramatic black velvet corset and a sculptural bow. Eva has always brought poise and polish to Cannes, and this year was no different.
Urvashi Rautela
If there's one thing Urvashi Rautela guarantees at Cannes, it's drama, and she delivered once again. The Bollywood actress donned a bold, technicolour Michael Cinco gown with a voluminous silhouette. Her look was styled with a crystal-encrusted parrot-shaped clutch by Judith Leiber. While reactions online were mixed, with some netizens calling her look "too extra"—there’s no denying she grabbed the spotlight and refused to let go.
Heidi Klum
German-American model Heidi Klum brought romance to Cannes with her floral-inspired gown by Elie Saab. Featuring layers of cascading ruffles and a dramatic train, the look felt like a bouquet come to life. Borrowed from Saab's spectacular Riyadh couture presentation, the gown made a bold impression, even if it didn’t exactly follow the Cannes rule.
Irina Shayk
Russian fashion model Irina Shayk arrived in a vintage Armani Privé Fall/Winter 2019 black strapless gown, sprinkled with silver polka dots and adorned with dramatic puff sleeves. Paired with glittering Anita Diamonds jewellery, her look exuded classic Hollywood romance. With a pleated flared skirt and a grand bow at the back, Irina delivered a Cannes-worthy look.
