As well as being one of the biggest events in the world of film, the Cannes Film Festival is also a pretty important week in fashion.
Over the years, we have seen some incredible looks hit the red carpet at the prestigious celebration of cinema, but the 2025 event was dealt a devastating blow when it came to mind-boggling outfits.
Before the fest kicked off, new red carpet rules came into place that banned nudity and ‘voluminous ensembles.’
In a statement, organisers said: ‘For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.’
They continued: ‘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.’
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the regulations were updated to reflect ‘certain rules that have long been in effect.’
Rules are made to be broken, however, and a few celebrities did exactly that, touching down on the Cannes carpet in ensembles that were definitely close to the line…
Leomie Anderson
Never one to shy away from a bold look, supermodel Leomie Anderson hit the Hights 2 Lowest red carpet in a rather revealing dress.
With her hair piled in sleep curls on her head, she wore a silver metal beaded high-neck gown that would have undoubtedly raised organisers’ eyebrows.
The ensemble was almost entirely see-through, with the star wearing coordinating silver pants and nipple covers underneath in somewhat of an attempt to preserve some modesty.
She accessorised with a small black clutch bag and sparkling silver jewellery that matched the eye-catching piece.
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid is no stranger to causing a stir on the Cannes red carpet, freeing the nipple on multiple occasions in statement looks.
This year, she was arguably more low-key in a black gown, but she still toed the line of the new rules with a thigh-high split in the backless number.
The custom Saint Laurent silk gown also had intricate detailing, as well as cut-outs on the side to show a little skin but in a more reserved fashion than is typical for the Hadid sister.
Heidi Klum
Even away from her legendary Halloween looks, Heidi Klum never fails to disappoint in the fashion department.
At the Cannes opening ceremony, she stunned in a unique pink floral dress with cascading ruffles emulating petals, including a very voluminous train.
It also included a daring side slit showing off her legs, somewhat defying the festival’s nudity rule.
Pom Klementieff
The Mission: Impossible cast broke the red carpet rules by stopping to take a selfie on the red carpet.
But that wasn’t the only rule break at the premiere, as Pom Klementieff stepped out in a lilac plunge dress from Loewe.
She ditched her bra to show plenty of skin underneath, posing confidently despite unquestionably flouting the guidelines.
Like Bella’s gown, it also included a high leg slit and straps across her back, creating a cut-out effect.
Julia Garner
Julia Garner didn’t exactly break the rules of the red carpet, but it was a daring look, prodding the limits of the nudity ban.
The Wolf Man star attended the opening ceremony in a sheer black Gucci gown that she appeared to be totally starkers underneath.
But we’re sure bosses were thankful that wasn’t actually the case, as she rocked a sequin-covered nude liner underneath to shield her body.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry may have changed one of her looks to avoid being scolded for a long train, but a follow-up look at the 2025 Chopard Universe Dinner threw that consideration out the window.
The incredible maroon gown had an elegant, structured train that followed the Catwoman star.
It featured a structured red corset and yet another leg split, with the star accessorising with matching red heels and earrings.
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai put in a stunning appearance on the red carpet for the History of Sound premiere, wearing a gown that was certainly close to the wire in terms of dress code.
The Bollywood icon is known as the Queen of Cannes, with this look proving exactly why.
Her elaborate ensemble paid homage to her heritage, with designer Manish Malhotra later revealing she and the actress were both aligned on a vision.
‘I was very sure that I wanted her to wear something handwoven, something that takes India’s textile heritage to the global stage.’
She wore a handwoven Kadwa Banarasi handloom saree in ivory, threaded with real silver and also featuring hints of rose gold.
Wan QianHui
As far as elaborate trains go, Wan QianHui took a major risk.
Attending the opening ceremony of Cannes 2025, the Chinese musical theatre star made the bold move of wearing a pastel yellow strapless number.
It was the very definition of business on top, party on the bottom, as the bodice flowed out into a multi-layered skirt complete with fur.
We can only imagine what a nightmare it was for her to walk through doorways.
Farhana Bodi
Farhana Bodi was one of many stars going for a vibrant colour, rocking up at the opening ceremony in head-to-toe pink.
The UAE model clearly wanted to be anything but subtle, her custom blush pink dress by Atelier Zuhra surrounded by sculpted ruffles.
‘I felt like a blingtastic Barbie last night,’ she said afterwards.
‘My look for Cannes 2025 is a love letter to unapologetic femininity and high fashion.’
Stella Maxwell
Stella Maxwell knows how to work a risqué piece of clothing thanks to her successful modelling career.
And there’s no doubt about whether her Cannes look pushed the boundaries, as she arrived for the Phoenician Scheme screening in a dress that we can’t be sure organisers would be thrilled about.
The sheer black number featured strategically placed embroidered flowers and lace ruffles to cover her body, but she still showed plenty of skin.
Stella showcased her toned Victoria’s Secret model figure, sweeping the floor with the train of her frock and adding to the sultry vibe with dark eye makeup.
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