Mission Impossible: The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Dress Code
- Gioia Birt
- 8 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A Review Of The 2025 Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet Looks.
After a last-minute change to the dress code a mere 24 hours before the Cannes carpet was to be rolled out, celebrities were sent into style disarray at the new rules. An official document released on 12th May stated that “nudity” and “voluminous outfits” were “prohibited”. It was, as one of the most high-profile films showing suggested, a ‘Mission: Impossible’ for attendees and fashion stylists alike. With such short notice, which stars were the rule breakers and the fashion peace-makers?
First, a dive into a look that I felt was an elegant success and respective to the occasion. I will always praise subtlety in fashion and, yes, I do think less is more. To carry these aspects through into a full and beautiful look can however be difficult. Although the dress and jewellery designers remain mysteriously undisclosed, Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath hit the nail on the head, as she stunned in a floor length strapless sequined ruby gown, complete with a flowing shawl and gorgeous diamond jewellery. From the slim silhouette to the vibrant colour, every element seems to match her graceful radiance and feels reminiscent of the old Hollywood icons of the 90s. Unlike the louder looks of the evening, her dress doesn’t feel forceful or spectacle-like, rather one is drawn in by its tasteful yet dazzling harmony.
Now for the nonconformists… I’ve generally decided not to celebrate these looks, not just because they don’t follow the rules, but because they simply aren’t effective enough. The experimental and voluminous is nothing new to the Cannes carpet, and especially now that it’s discouraged, I think if one were to make a statement, it needs a compelling and meaningful reason behind it. Cannes is ultimately a film festival, it’s time to shift gears and focus on the films with looks that pay respect to such a revered art-form and culture. In short, the fashion felons for Cannes 2025 include TV personality Farhana Bodi for her clamshell-like dress, Heidi Klum for her meter-long train and Halle Berry for her random pink tulle ‘hump’ underneath the back of a black-and-white striped dress. Whether these looks break the rules or not, they simply didn’t shine and emerged as gaudy rather than glamorous.
On a more optimistic note, I appreciated Zoe Saldana’s subtle and paired back look for the “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” Premiere. Donned in a black Saint Laurent maxi dress with a scoop neckline, she captivated as the most elegant and chic star on the carpet. Her look was paired with Cartier diamond drop earrings which matched flawlessly. I applaud her stylist Petra Flannery for creating a perfect look. Whilst the leather jacket did seem out of place on a red carpet, her stylist, Petra Flannery, must be lauded for creating a near-perfect look.
It was the presence of ‘Cannes Queen’, Miss Bella Hadid that generated the most buzz. Known for her scant looks on previous Cannes carpets, it was interesting how she adapted her signature style to adhere to the stricter dress code. On the opening red carpet, she wore a custom Saint Laurent long, black, draped dress, featuring a halter neck and thigh-high slit. Is it a modern take on Old Hollywood glam or a defiant bending of the rules? Questioning aside, I can’t help but feel the look is a little incomplete, the eye struggles to find an anchor or sense of balance. The 118.68-carat emerald Chopard earrings are jaw dropping, but to me they feel at odds with the dress. The dress has simultaneously a little, yet, a lot, going on, with asymmetric cutouts at the back (which are unfortunately partly covered by her new long, blonde hair), the very high leg slit, which is also mirrored in the design of the armhole and the draping asymmetrical neckline. When paired with the jewellery and diamond studded heels, the dress is sadly overshadowed. It would have been wiser to select a focal point or language for the look and stick to it. The dress is beautiful - a subtle geometric work of art that complements Bella nicely - but the huge earrings and diamond shoes are, dare I say it, unnecessary.
2025 – I’m afraid to say you were one of the weaker years for Cannes Film Festival red carpet looks. Above all, what stood out was the division among our stars between choosing a show stopping look, and a show stealing look. Are we trying to create something beautiful and striking, or solely an attention seeking spectacle? Whichever may apply, it was understated opulence for the win this year.
Written by Gioia Birt
Edited by Daisy Packwood, Fashion Editor
