In a rather controversial and shocking update to its dress code, Cannes Film Festival organisers have forbidden risqué outfits that show too much skin.
Ahead of the 2025 cinematic extravaganza, it was announced that, in the name of ‘decency,’ full nudity and ‘voluminous ensembles’ would not be allowed on the red carpet.
Should a celebrity arrive too exposed and not comply with the rules, they can be prohibited from accessing the event.
Daring and exposing attire has been commonplace in Hollywood for, well, as long as anyone can remember.
In recent years, the A-listers have really stepped it up, though, from Julia Fox and Rihanna to Emily Ratajkowski and Miley Cyrus, dresses that flash some flesh barely raise an eyebrow anymore… maybe when Bianca Censori arrives at the Grammys fully naked, perhaps.
But this year’s Cannes is set to be a much more modest affair, meaning countless looks from the past would absolutely not get the green light under the new regulations. Let’s revisit some of the boldest…
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid has attracted headlines with her Cannes looks on several occasions.
The 28-year-old American model has pretty much made racy dresses her speciality in recent years, whether it be her 2016 Alexandre Vauthier red silk gown with the highest of slits or 2021’s Schiaparelli number complete with low neck and bronchi passageway necklace.
Although perhaps last year’s outfit choice was her bravest yet, as the younger Hadid sister turned heads in totally sheer fabric.
Posing on the carpet at The Apprentice premiere, Bella wore a neutral-coloured Saint Laurent dress, which covered very little.
Braless underneath, her chest was fully exposed, while strategically placed ruching was placed over her bottom half.
The plunging brown midi dress showcased her toned figure thanks to the bodycon shaping, which Bella teamed with complementary heels and diamond jewellery.
Her appearance came at a time when the trend of sheer dressing had already been dominating public events for a while, with designer Anthony Vaccarello saying of Saint Laurent’s fall 2024 collection: ‘I wanted to do something very fragile.’
Alas, it seems Bella’s 2025 look will have to be a bit more reserved.
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum has never been one to shy away from making a statement.
In 2023, the German-American model, 51, split opinion with her vibrant yellow look.
Attending the 76th Cannes Film Festival, the TV personality donned a flowing Zuhair Murad Couture gown complete with a crossed neckline and a daring cut-out around her bust.
Heidi worked the cameras like the pro she is, lifting up her lengthy sleeves to create the illusion of wings.
While it was certainly a Cannes fashion moment to remember, some did place Heidi on their worst-dressed lists.
It’s probably not a look we can expect to see recreated anytime soon, though, as its revealing thigh split and torso cut-out place it firmly on the blacklist.
Kate Beckinsale
Kate Beckinsale made her Cannes debut in 1993. That year, she also suffered a wardrobe malfunction when her bodysuit came open on the Much Ado About Nothing carpet.
Thankfully, Keanu Reeves and Robert Sean Leonard were on hand to save her, with Kate later hailing them as ‘absolute legends’ while looking back on the mishap.
But in true Kate style, one little blunder wasn’t going to deter her from serving us even more daring looks.
Cannes Film Festival's statement on nudity ban
‘For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.
‘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.’
In 2023, the actress, 51, seemingly channelled a much raunchier version of Tinkerbell in pastel green.
Her outfit featured a balloon overskirt, underneath which she wore a playsuit encrusted with beads, each one placed meticulously to cover her body.
The Zuhair Murad Couture look was praised for ‘not taking itself too seriously,’ something very on-brand for Kate herself.
Kendall Jenner
Once again, Kendall Jenner isn’t someone who gets nervous when it comes to exposing a bit of skin, having previously declared very nonchalantly: ‘I just love my t*ts being out.’
She’s been catching eyes at Cannes for several years, having bared her stomach in 2015’s Azzedine Alaïa cropped ensemble, then rocked up in a transparent Roberto Cavalli design the year after, decorated with sparkling snake embellishments.
One of her most memorable looks, however, came in 2018 at the screening of Girls of the Sun.
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While it’s since been cemented as a firm Cannes favourite, Kendall’s white Schiaparelli Haute Couture design definitely wouldn’t pass under the new dress code thanks to its sheer nature.
The straps covered the 29-year-old reality star’s chest, but she went without a bra underneath, while the neckline was deeply plunging.
Kendall’s look was topped off with a dramatic tiered skirt and a dazzling belt around her waist.
Winnie Harlow
Supermodel Winnie Harlow, 30, kicked off Cannes 2019 in style, making quite the entrance in De Grisogono at the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood screening.
The Victoria’s Secret runway girl’s minidress was shockingly short, resulting in her accidentally flashing her underwear to spectators.
But, of course, she styled it out, working her model magic as she tossed the scarlet fabric into the air for dramatic effect.
Her long, slender legs were on full display between layers of tulle, which formed an asymmetric neckline and one single sleeve.
Natasha Poly
Absolutely nothing was left to the imagination thanks to Natasha Poly’s ultra-exposing 2024 Cannes look.
She joined Bella in following the sheer trend last year, as see-through dresses took over the event, with Elle Fanning and Naomi Campbell also taking risks.
The Russian model, 39, commanded the carpet in a super high-legged Mugler bodice covered by thin fabric, her legs – and pretty much everything else – on full show.
She paired it with a dramatic eye look and slicked-back hair, posing confidently with hands on her hips in a look that, well, wouldn’t exactly get the Cannes seal of approval this year.
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