Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 15, 2025, 10:30 IST
Cannes 2025 shook the fashion world with a surprise red carpet dress code ban on nudity and voluminous gowns, prompting last-minute style pivots from stars like Halle Berry.
Cannes 2025 Stuns With Last-Minute Red Carpet Dress Code Shake-Up, Forces Style Rethink (In frame: Halle Berry)
Just hours before the 78th Cannes Film Festival was set to commence, a surprise twist turned the glamour dial into chaos. On the night of May 12, 2025, the Cannes organising committee released a sudden revision to its red carpet dress code—banning nudity, oversized gowns, and sweeping trains. The new rules left designers, stylists, and A-listers scrambling to rework their looks for one of fashion’s most-watched stages.
The official charter, intended for the prestigious Grand Théâtre Lumière gala screenings, laid down strict sartorial guidelines. Attendees were instructed to stick to elegant yet understated options—think little black dresses, cocktail dresses, dark-toned pantsuits, tuxedos, or navy suits with a tie or bowtie. Glamorous footwear was encouraged, but tote bags, backpacks, and other large accessories were expressly forbidden.
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What caused the real stir, however, was the ban on nudity and voluminous garments. “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the Red Carpet, as well as in any other area of the Festival,” the updated document stated. It further added that large trains or gowns that hinder movement or obstruct seating would not be permitted. “Festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit Red Carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”
Halle Berry’s Couture Curveball
Among the first casualties of the new code was Academy Award-winner and jury member Halle Berry. Set to make a grand entrance in a dramatic Gaurav Gupta couture gown, Berry was forced to switch outfits last minute due to the elaborate train of the dress falling afoul of the updated regulations.
Speaking at the jury’s press conference, Berry revealed: “I had an amazing dress by [Gaurav] Gupta to wear tonight, and I cannot wear it because the train’s too big.” She didn’t express any resentment, though. “I had to make a pivot. But the nudity part, I do think, is probably also a good rule,” she added with grace.
Berry eventually chose a sleek black-and-white halter-neck gown by Jacquemus, radiating timeless elegance. Her original ensemble, now a mystery, remains the red carpet moment that almost was.
Designer Speaks Out
In an exclusive response, designer Gaurav Gupta shared his thoughts with indianexpress.com, saying, “Our teams had been working closely with Halle Berry and her stylist to bring a special moment to life at Cannes. While the gown couldn’t be worn due to updated regulations around long trains, we remain proud of the vision we created together. True couture doesn’t always need a stage; sometimes, just the intention is enough to ignite the imagination.”
Stars React, Some Rebel
Not all celebrities chose to strictly abide by the guidelines. Bella Hadid turned heads in a sculptural black Saint Laurent gown with a high slit, paired with statement Chopard jewels. Meanwhile, Heidi Klum appeared to defy the dress code altogether, arriving in a dramatic pink-and-white ruffled gown with a flowing train. Chinese actor Wan QianHui also brought couture flair in a cloud-like white strapless number that featured exaggerated volume.
While some played by the rules and others pushed the boundaries, one thing was clear—the sudden shift in protocol sparked both creativity and controversy. And as the festival unfolds, fashion watchers will be keeping a close eye on whether Cannes continues to uphold its new sartorial strictness—or allows a little glamour to slip through the seams.
- First Published:
May 15, 2025, 10:30 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
