The Cannes Film Festival is renowned for its stunning fashion displays, often featuring celebrities draped in luxurious fabrics on the red carpet. This year, however, an unexpected directive was issued just before the event, banning extravagant outfits, particularly those with lengthy trains. Additionally, nudity was prohibited both on and off the red carpet.

This sudden change left many attendees scrambling for alternatives. One notable victim of the new rules was Gaurav Gupta’s gown, which was originally intended for jury member Halle Berry at the opening ceremony. Berry expressed her disappointment, stating, “I had an amazing dress by (Gaurav) Gupta to wear tonight, but the train was too large. I had to pivot. However, I believe the nudity restriction is a sensible rule.” She ultimately chose a striped gown by Jacquemus for her appearance.

Despite the restrictions, some celebrities chose to express their style boldly. Heidi Klum arrived in a floral gown featuring a dramatic train, while Bella Hadid turned heads in a sleek black Saint Laurent dress that showcased plenty of skin.

Others opted for a compromise, with stars like Hannah Waddingham, Pom Klementieff, Eva Longoria, and Aliia Roza selecting shorter trains. The new dress code has sparked a debate online, with opinions split; some view it as an infringement on personal expression, while others argue that it is appropriate for a film festival, where lengthy trains can be impractical.

Ritu Kochhar, founder of INIFD, supports the new guidelines, stating, “Dresses with long trains require multiple assistants and can disrupt the flow of guests and complicate seating arrangements in the theater.”

However, she acknowledges that a well-designed train can enhance a gown's appeal, citing Aishwarya Rai’s iconic peacock gown as an example of a train that adds to the overall design rather than merely attracting attention.

The New Dress Code

Permitted Attire

• Guests at the Grand Théâtre Lumière must wear classic evening attire, including long dresses and tuxedos.


• Women may also opt for alternatives like a little black dress, cocktail dress, dark pantsuit, or a dressy top paired with black pants.


• Men are expected to wear a black or navy suit, complemented by a bow tie or a dark tie.

Prohibited Attire

• Voluminous outfits, especially those with large trains that obstruct guest movement and complicate seating.


• Nudity is not allowed on the red carpet or in any other area of the festival.