The fashion world was thrown into crisis this week when a rather strict dress code was introduced the day before the Cannes Film Festival.
Hours before the opening, the international film festival, which attracts many red carpet events every year, issued a statement banning bulky dresses that “impede the normal flow of people” and banned nude dresses for “protocol reasons”.
The statement was serious: attendees were threatened that they would be refused entry if they did not comply. The ban quickly spread on social media, causing dissatisfaction and concern, and even panic among stylists who spent months carefully planning the looks.
Chaos ensued. Tweets went viral, and articles emerged. Halle Berry arrived in Cannes and lamented at a banquet that she could not wear the “amazing” dress she had packed. It made people wonder: what would Cannes look like if the skirts were not as long as the height of the high heels and all made of opaque materials?
When Zoe Saldana arrived on the red carpet in a simple yet flattering black shift dress, many thought their fears were confirmed: this year’s red carpet would be the same again. But rules are made to be broken. And at Cannes, they are always broken.
For her 2025 Cannes red carpet debut, Halle Berry wore an elegant striped dress that fell to her feet. The dress was a modest length, a flowing silhouette, and decidedly non-see-through. It was a dress code-compliant, a safe alternative to any show-stopping outfits she had planned. But for her second appearance, she seemed to take a different approach.
At the premiere of Mission: Impossible – Reckoning, Berry walked up the steps in a voluminous Celia Kritharioti gown with a corseted bodice and a long train. It certainly blocked the flow of people and affected the seating in the theater. It was a blatant violation! Still, Berry effortlessly blew kisses to the camera, her tousled bob blowing in the wind.
Clearly, the spirit of risk-taking on the Cannes red carpet has reached a new level this year. Sure, a pretty dress is nice – but breaking the rules and risking being escorted out? That’s fashion duty! Since the festival opened on May 13, there have been a number of rule-breaking looks.
Check out these stars who have done away with the Cannes dress code.