The Cannes Festival, known for the big names in cinema and ever-glamorous outfits. Nevertheless, the Festival has tightened its dress code for this 78th edition to enhance decency on the red carpet and to ease movement. Thus, less explicit nudity, oversized trains, and outfits deemed provocative are now banned.
This evolution reflects an acknowledged desire of the organizing committee to “refocus attention on the films rather than fashion excesses,” according to the Festival. Among the first incidents related to this new code, Chinese actress Zhao Yingzi was gently escorted off the red carpet. Her transparent gown embellished with sequins and slit up to the hip didn’t pass the security agents’ check. This scene made the rounds on social media, with some internet users defending artistic freedom of expression, while others welcomed the return of a certain class.
Farewell XXL trains and spectacular effects
Another notable change is the ban on overly long trains or cumbersome gowns that hinder movement. Star Halle Berry had to modify her outfit for the opening ceremony. Initially planned with a spectacular gown with a long train, she opted for a more subdued version to walk the red carpet, reserving her initial outfit for a parallel event outside the official protocol.
Some took the risk and had to find a quick solution to access the Croisette red carpet. Notably, a festival-goer just before the screening of Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. A woman in a gown with a very long train was stopped by security, and she had to get rid of it. The scene, filmed by a spectator and viewed over 770,000 times on TikTok, shows another guest tearing off the train under the shocked gaze of the public. The designer Steven Doan eventually handed over the train to the crowd with a smile.
The incident sparked a heated online debate. Some call it disrespectful, while others support the Cannes regulation which bans outfits that obstruct movement on the red carpet or in the hall. A tense and closely monitored stair-climbing. The new guideline also aims to prevent dangerous situations, such as falls or frequent blockages during the stair-climbing.
Stars who defy the codes
Other personalities chose to subtly defy the restrictions. Amal Clooney, true to her elegance, sported a vintage Dior gown with a discreet train, despite the recommendations. As for Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgård, they surprised with their confidently sensual looks, far from the classic tuxedo. They opted for leather boots, open shirts, and reinvented jackets. For advocates of a bold Cannes, these choices are a reminder that fashion is also a statement of intent, even in a regulated setting.
Toward a stricter festival?
The Cannes Festival committee seems intent on restoring order to the image of its event, sometimes criticized in recent years for fashion excesses. These new rules mark a shift towards a stricter protocol, in the name of tradition, but not without controversy. If the intention is to restore a certain balance between cinema and fashion. Next year, stylists will have to demonstrate their creativity without length and nudity.
