The Cannes Film Festival isn’t just about the movies on screen – over the years, its grand red carpet has become a spectacle in its own right, graced by embellished gowns, layers of tulle, dramatic trains, and sleek silk silhouettes worn by the stars of the moment.
However, the organisers of the prestigious event issued new rules last year to ban several types of gowns from the red carpet, referencing “decency” and “efficiency” with their decision.
Voluminous dresses and garments with long trains have been prohibited as they “hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre”. Naked dresses have also been added to the charter for “decency reasons”. At its core, the naked dress trend is defined by its barely-there materials, sheer mesh, metallic knits, chainmail, lace, and airy organza all play a part in its ethereal appeal.
“For the Grand Théâtre Lumière gala screenings taking place around 7 and 10pm, which are attended by the artistic teams, evening wear (long dress, tuxedo) is required. Alternatively, you may also wear ‘a little black dress,’ a cocktail dress, a dark-colored pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants […] a black or navy-blue suit with bow-tie,” reads the Cannes dress code.
It continues: “Tote bags, backpacks or large bags are prohibited during gala screenings […] 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 theater are not permitted. The Festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit Red Carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”
In 2015, the BBC reported that Cannes was “turning away women in flat shoes” from its premieres. “Rules have not changed throughout the years (tuxedo, formal dress for gala screenings) and there is no specific mention about the height of the women’s heels as well as for men’s,” replied the film festival’s organisers.
Ahead of the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival this week, HELLO! takes a closer look at all the past dresses that would now be classified as banned from the event.
© Getty ImagesMadonna 1991
Madonna embraced the underwear-as-outerwear trend in a Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra in 1991.
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesMilla Jovovich
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesClaudia Schiffer
Claudia Schiffer wore a shimmering sheer gold dress with a plunging neckline in 2000.
© WireImageCameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz stunned in a sheer fall/winter Versace gown in 2002.
© FilmMagicRihanna
Rihanna opted for a white Dior gown and skinny shades in 2017. The garment boasted a dramatic train.
© Getty ImagesKendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner graced the carpet in a Schiaparelli couture runway naked dress that was worn sans bra in 2018.
© WireImageJodie Turner-Smith
© Getty ImagesBella Hadid
Bella Hadid stunned in a sheer brown Saint Laurent fall 2024 runway dress in 2024.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAmal Clooney
Amal Clooney chose an archival off‑the‑shoulder John Galliano gown for Christian Dior in 2025.
© FilmMagicHeidi Klum
Heidi Klum graced the film festival in a strapless pink gown that featured a voluminous silhouette by Elie Saab in 2025.
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