Lights, Camera, Action! All eyes on the Cannes Film Festival 2025!
The famous film festival and its iconic red carpet have officially kicked off in France, and for the next 2 weeks, the 78th annual film festival will be witnessing a star-studded line-up of A-listers.
Background on Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is the most prestigious in the world. Held in Cannes, France, it previews new films of all genres. This includes documentaries and films from all around the world. In fact, this prestigious festival is home to the industry’s most highly anticipated pictures, and also where unexpected gems are discovered.
The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival will take place from 13 to 24 May 2025.
Yesterday, the Grand Théâtre Lumière hosted the official opening ceremony. The eagerly-awaited evening was marked by the presence of Robert De Niro, who received the honorary Palme d’Or from Leonardo DiCaprio. Stars such as Julia Garner, Eva Longoria, Bella Hadid, and more all hit the red carpet to kick off the affair—donning their most glamorous fashions. After all, Cannes is one of the most elegant and glitzy film festivals in the world.
But wait, there is a twist this time? “No skin show” was set as the dress code. Oh, and disruptive trains were not allowed on the red carpet either.
“For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival,” reads the dress code on the Cannes website. “Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre, are not permitted. The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”
It seemed like this twist would leave the celebrities appalled, especially for a fashion forward red carpet. Fortunately though that wasn’t the case — many celebrities still ATE without compromising the guidelines.
Read More: Cannes Film Festival Enforces New Dress Code: A Shift in Red Carpet Fashion
Best Red Carpet Looks from Cannes Film Festival 2025
Below are some of the best mentions from today, and certainly there will be more to come.
1. Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid turned heads in a sleek black satin Saint Laurent gown featuring a cowl neckline, hip-high slit, and daring cutouts that subtly revealed her back and sides. Accessorised with 118.68-carat emerald Chopard earrings and a 12.15-carat heart-shaped diamond ring, Hadid’s look was both sophisticated and provocative. All while adhering to the new dress code.
2. Heidi Klum
Supermodel Heidi Klum defied the new dress code in a voluminous pink Elie Saab couture gown adorned with floral embellishments and a thigh-high slit. While the gown’s long train challenged the festival’s guidelines, Klum’s bold fashion choice highlighted her fearless approach to red carpet style.
3. Wan Qian Hui
Chinese actress Wan Qian Hui captivated onlookers in a pastel yellow, four-tiered gown with a dramatic ruffled train. The voluminous design created a cloud-like effect, making a memorable statement that stood out amidst the more restrained ensembles.
4. Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria exuded classic elegance in a cream-coloured, figure-hugging dress of Tamara Ralph complemented by drop earrings from Pasquale Bruni jewels. Her look was a masterclass in understated glamour, aligning perfectly with the festival’s refined aesthetic.
5. Alessandra Ambrosio
Alessandra Ambrosio turned heads with an architectural take on eveningwear. Her green gown featured exaggerated sleeves, adding drama without violating the no-train rule. The model’s look was a nod to editorial fashion — edgy, elegant, and immaculately styled.
Despite the limitations, the Cannes Film Festival 2025’s red carpet became a playground of innovation and elegance. Designers and stars alike rose to the challenge, delivering unforgettable fashion moments that respected the rules without sacrificing impact.
From timeless beauty to daring defiance, these red carpet looks remind us that true style always finds a way to shine.