The glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival is about to get a lot more covered up. In a sweeping shift from its traditionally permissive red carpet fashion scene, organizers of the 78th edition of the prestigious event have announced a ban on “naked dressing”—the popular trend of celebrities donning sheer or revealing outfits that leave little to the imagination.
The updated dress code, which takes effect immediately for the 2025 festival, has been outlined in official communication and leaves little room for interpretation. “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival,” reads the new guideline. The move comes as the festival attempts to refine its image and enforce more uniform standards of decorum.
Cannes has long been known as a playground for high fashion experimentation, with designers and celebrities using the red carpet as a platform to make bold—and often risqué—statements. However, organizers now seem intent on reclaiming a more conservative approach to its public-facing events.
In addition to the nudity ban, the rules also discourage voluminous gowns with oversized trains, citing logistical concerns such as obstructing the red carpet flow and complicating seating in the tightly-packed screening venues.
Security and event staff have reportedly been briefed to turn away individuals whose attire fails to meet the new standards. This marks a notable change in enforcement, considering the festival’s past inconsistencies with dress code rules. One high-profile incident from 2024 involved singer Kelly Rowland, who claimed she was racially profiled by a security guard during a red carpet confrontation. Such moments have sparked broader conversations about the festival’s policing of fashion and its underlying biases.
Other celebrities have also pushed back on Cannes’ sartorial policies in recent years. Kristen Stewart famously ditched her heels in 2018 to protest the high-heel mandate, while Julia Roberts made headlines by walking barefoot up the Palais steps. The new rules are likely to spark fresh debate over creative expression versus institutional control in global cultural events.
As the fashion world digests this announcement, designers may be forced to rethink their approach to Cannes, one of the most watched style stages in the world. Whether the new policy enhances elegance or stifles artistry remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the red carpet at Cannes 2025 will look very different.