Just ahead of the much-anticipated opening of the Cannes Film Festival, its organizing committee introduced significant changes to the red carpet dress code. The festival, renowned for its glamorous and extravagant fashion moments, has implemented new guidelines aimed at promoting modesty and ensuring smooth event operations.The updated dress code prohibits sheer or transparent garments, outfits featuring excessive volume, and dresses with long trains. These measures are intended to uphold “decency” standards and to prevent attire that might obstruct guest movement or complicate seating arrangements in the theater.These changes have prompted a shift toward more understated elegance on the red carpet, potentially altering the festival’s traditionally flamboyant fashion landscape.”To uphold standards of propriety, the display of nudity is strictly forbidden on the red carpet and throughout all festival venues. Additionally, garments with excessive volume—particularly those featuring extensive trains—that obstruct guest movement or complicate seating arrangements within the theater are not allowed.“The Cannes Film Festival has long been synonymous with bold fashion statements, and Indian celebrities have consistently embraced this platform to showcase their sartorial prowess. Deepika Padukone, in particular, has delivered some of the most unforgettable red carpet moments, marked by dramatic silhouettes and avant-garde designs.India’s original Cannes icon, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, has long embraced dramatic couture on the red carpet at the French Riviera. While her early Cannes appearances featured sleek, form-fitting silhouettes—especially up until 2017—she has since consistently chosen voluminous, statement-making gowns that command attention.Her 2017 appearance in a frosty blue Michael Cinco ball gown marked a turning point, introducing a fairytale-like grandeur to her Cannes wardrobe. In 2018, she captivated audiences in a butterfly-inspired gown, also by Michael Cinco, featuring a 20-foot train and intricate Swarovski embellishments. The following years saw her in avant-garde designs, such as the metallic hooded gown by Sophie Couture in 2023, and a sculpted black velvet gown with galactic embroidery by Gaurav Gupta in 2025. These choices highlight her evolution from minimalist elegance to bold, theatrical fashion statements at Cannes.
The Can’ts at Cannes 2025: New ‘decent’ fashion rules to shift focus on films?
