As the glamour of Cannes returns to the French Riviera tomorrow, all eyes are not just on the films but on the fashion moments that accompany them. For decades, the Cannes Film Festival has been a global stage for cinematic celebration and bold red carpet statements, where stars have dazzled in everything from sweeping couture gowns to skin-baring ensembles. But this year, things are set to look a little different.
The 78th edition of the prestigious festival, which kicks off on May 13 and runs through May 24, 2025, comes with a notable change. Organisers have announced new red carpet guidelines designed to enforce stricter decorum and streamline proceedings and the biggest headline is the official ban on "naked dresses".
New dress code regulations: 'Nudity is prohibited on the red carpet'
In a move described as being "for the sake of decency," the Cannes committee has rolled out a fresh set of rules restraining the rising trend of see-through gowns and provocative silhouettes. A statement from the official festival document reads, "For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival. The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules."
However, the new nudity rules will be implemented when French director Amélie Bonnin's 'Leave One Day' opens the ceremony this week.
Voluminous gowns and long trains also prohibited
The regulations don't stop at sheer dresses. The festival has also taken issue with large, trailing gowns that, according to the charter, "hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre." This practical restriction is meant to improve logistics on the red carpet and inside screening venues, where floor-length trains often become a safety hazard or disrupt seating arrangements.
A break from tradition?
For an event that has often made headlines for daring fashion statements, from thigh-high slits to avant-garde couture, the changes might feel like a dramatic shift. Celebrities have historically used the Cannes red carpet as a platform for bold self-expression, sometimes making more noise with their attire than with the films they promote.
Yet, the organisers seem committed to refocusing the spotlight. The new rules reflect a desire to uphold Cannes’ reputation for elegance while gently steering the red carpet back toward tradition and sophistication.
As Cannes 2025 begins, fans and fashion-watchers alike will be paying close attention, not just to what the stars are wearing, but to what they’ve chosen "not" to wear.
