Cannes Film Festival bans nudity on red carpet

The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most glamorous events in entertainment, is making headlines before its 2025 edition even begins later on today, on Tuesday 13 May.

Organisers of the international film festival have banned nudity and voluminous outfits, putting an end to the ‘naked dressing’ trend that has dominated red carpet events in recent years.

No more ‘nude dressing’ at Cannes

As reported by People, the Cannes Film Festival has tightened the rules of its official dress code to prohibit “nudity on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival” for “decency reasons.”

This rule, detailed on the festival’s FAQ page, also bans “voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train,” due address concerns about guest flow and theatre seating.

For prestigious screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, where A-listers typically showcase their most jaw-dropping looks, formal evening wear like long dresses and tuxedos remains mandatory.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a festival representative clarified that these rules aren’t entirely new but have been formalised in the festival’s aim to reflect “certain rules that have long been in effect.”

The dress code now prohibits full nudity with the aim of meeting and maintaining the elegance that Cannes is known for.

But with ‘naked dressing’ having become a red carpet staple, this change is raising eyebrows.

The naked dress has been a go-to for celebrities looking to make a statement on the red carpet. Stars like Bella Hadid, who stunned in a sheer Saint Laurent gown last year, and Vicky Krieps, who wore a transparent Armani Privé dress, have embraced the trend confidently.

What defines nudity, though?

The new rules leave stylists in a tricky spot. What exactly counts as “nudity”? Does a sheer panel or a flashed nipple cross the line? The lack of clarity has sparked debate about how strictly these guidelines will be enforced.

In the past, Cannes has been unforgiving about its dress code.

People recounts a 2015 incident where women were denied entry into a premiere for wearing flat shoes, defying the screening’s high-heel rule.

With festival staff now tasked with barring anyone who violates the new rules, the Cannes red carpet might look quite differently this year.

Gone are the big gowns at Cannes

The ban on voluminous gowns comes after logistical issues that dramatic, over-the-top gowns have caused in the past.

Outfits like the cloud-like dress Tems wore to the 2023 Oscars, a view-blocking ensemble – as stunning as it was – would likely be turned away at Cannes 2025.

This puts pressure on celebrity stylists to find looks that are striking yet practical, elegant yet compliant.

Will celebrities play it safe or will they push boundaries within the guidelines?

The festival’s history suggests some might test the limits—after all, fashion rebels like Milla Jovovich, who wore a see-through Jean Paul Gaultier dress in 1997, have long made Cannes fashion unforgettable.

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Feature Image: Getty