In a move that’s equal parts bold and baffling, the Cannes Film Festival has quietly updated its red-carpet rulebook to ban nudity in any form – yes, even the tasteful kind that’s barely hanging on by a thread. So, say au revoir to the ‘naked dress’ – those barely-there, sheer wonders that once dominated the Croisette like a fabulous fever dream. The fashion staple that blurred the line between style and scandal is officially out of season.
New Rule, Who Dis?
If Bella Hadid’s jaw-dropping sheer Saint Laurent moment from 2024 walked the carpet this year, it would be promptly shown the exit – possibly by a chic French usher in all-black and a frown.
“Nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival.”
Gowns Too Grand, Also Banned.
And it’s not just bare skin getting the boot. Another new rule has placed exaggerated gown trains on the no-fly list too. Which means, sorry Diana Ross, the carpet isn’t big enough for your dress and everyone else this year.
Cannes is clearly entering its ‘tighten-up and tone-down’ era – less flash, more fashion etiquette, or as some might say: “No mesh, no drama, no fun?”
So What Is Allowed?
Here’s where things get murky. The guidelines don’t define what exactly qualifies as ‘nudity.’
- Is a lace illusion gown fair game?
- Can you hint at skin if you don’t technically show it?
- Are we talking full nun-core or just PG-13 couture?
Fashion fans and stylists are scratching their diamond-studded heads, wondering if we’re entering Puritan Provence – where too much tulle is fine, but too little fabric is a felony.
Cannes has always been where couture meets controversy. But this year, it’s less ‘bare it all’ and more ‘cover up or go home.’ Celebs and stylists, consider this your PSA – swap the mesh for modesty, or risk your red-carpet moment ending at Checkpoint Chanel. We’ll be watching. Probably in velvet.
(Contributed by Wajeeha Syed)