Cannes Film Festival Issues Updated Red Carpet Dress Code Amid Controversy

The 78th Cannes Film Festival sparked a frenzy in the fashion world after issuing an updated red carpet dress code just hours before the event. The surprise move, announced on May 12, 2025, banned nudity, voluptuous gowns, and long trains, citing decency and traffic flow concerns. The new rules also prohibited tote bags, backpacks, and large bags during gala screenings, with lockers available for guests to store their belongings.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cannes Film Festival issued an updated red carpet dress code on May 12, 2025, banning nudity, voluptuous gowns, and long trains.
• The dress code change was announced just hours before the event, causing a last-minute rush among celebrities to change their outfits.
• Celebrities like Halle Berry, Bella Hadid, Heidi Klum, and Wan QianHui were among those who had to change their ensembles or risk violating the new rules.
• The rules apply to the Grand Théâtre Lumière gala screenings, where evening wear or a little black dress is required.
• The festival prohibiting tote bags, backpacks, and large bags during gala screenings, with lockers available for guests until 12:30 AM.
• Celebrity designer Gaurav Gupta had a custom gown for Halle Berry, but she had to change due to the train's size, according to the designer's statement.

Statistics:

• 78th Cannes Film Festival
• 12 May 2025 (date of updated dress code announcement)
• Grand Théâtre Lumière gala screenings at 7 and 10 p.m.
• 12:30 AM (lockers available for guests to store their belongings)
• 100% of the festival's red carpet events (affected by the updated dress code)

Sources:

• "78th Cinema Festival, the Cannes soiree: the Newspaper's selections for protesting outfits" (indianexpress.com)
• "Halle Berry Ditches Gaurav Gupta Gown Due to Cannes' New Dress Code Rules" (Variety)