The Best Celebrity Looks From the 2025 Cannes Film Festival: Glamour Reimagined Under New Rules

The Cannes Film Festival has always been the ultimate showcase for cinematic glamour and red carpet daring. But as the 2025 edition kicked off, a dramatic new dress code sent stylists and stars scrambling: sheer “naked” dresses and extravagant, voluminous trains were officially banned just 24 hours before the first premieres. The result? A red carpet that’s more refined than ever-but no less breathtaking.

The New Cannes Code: Elegance Over Excess

This year’s rules, posted on the official Cannes website, explicitly prohibit nudity and see-through ensembles, as well as oversized outfits with large trains that could disrupt guest flow or complicate seating in the Grand Théâtre Lumière. The festival’s staff have been instructed to turn away anyone not adhering to these guidelines-a move that’s left stylists “quite anxious” and forced last-minute wardrobe changes for some major stars.

 

Yet, if anyone can rise to the challenge, it’s Cannes’ legendary lineup of celebrities and supermodels. The opening days have already delivered a masterclass in chic restraint, with stars proving that sophistication can be every bit as striking as spectacle.

Heidi Klum: Couture Rebellion in Elie Saab

Heidi Klum, never one to shy away from a statement, made headlines on opening night by defiantly flouting the new dress code. The supermodel arrived in a breathtaking Elie Saab couture gown, awash in pink and white with a voluminous, flower-petal-inspired silhouette and a sweeping train that trailed dramatically behind her. The look was pure fantasy-and pure rebellion, as the extended train directly challenged the festival’s explicit ban on “voluminous outfits.” Klum accessorized with metallic pumps and Lorraine Schwartz diamonds, radiating confidence and a touch of fashion anarchy. Her husband, Tom Kaulitz, accompanied her, but all eyes were on Heidi as she floated up the Palais steps, undeterred by the new regulations.

Wan QianHui: Cloudlike Couture and Quiet Defiance

Chinese actress Wan QianHui also made a memorable entrance, choosing an ivory gown that seemed to defy gravity itself. The dress, with its massive, cloudlike silhouette and billowing “cotton ball” embellishments, was a sculptural marvel that stood in open defiance of the new rules against oversized, obstructive garments. Wan’s look was a reminder that the Cannes red carpet is as much a platform for artistic expression as it is for cinema, and her bold choice was met with admiration from fashion insiders and photographers alike.

Shanina Shaik: Modern Muse in White

Australian supermodel Shanina Shaik delivered a lesson in contemporary glamour at the festival’s opening ceremony. Her sleek, white gown featured clean lines and a statuesque silhouette, perfectly capturing the new Cannes mood: refined, minimal, yet undeniably striking. With her hair styled in effortless waves and makeup kept luminous, Shanina’s look was a masterclass in letting simplicity speak volumes-a refreshing counterpoint to the evening’s more rebellious ensembles.

Bella Hadid: Queen of Cannes, Rule Breaker in Saint Laurent

No one commands the Croisette quite like Bella Hadid, whose previous sheer Saint Laurent and Schiaparelli looks arguably inspired this year’s stricter code. For the 2025 opening ceremony, Bella made an entrance in a sleek black cowl-neck Saint Laurent gown with a daring thigh-high slit, exposed sides, and a strappy asymmetrical back-all the allure, none of the explicit nudity. Emerald Chopard earrings and a diamond ring added the perfect dose of Cannes sparkle.

Irina Shayk: From Sheer to Chic in Armani Privé

Known for her bold, barely-there red carpet moments, Irina Shayk surprised everyone by opting for vintage elegance. She stunned in a black strapless Armani Privé tulle gown, dotted with shimmering silver polka dots and finished with dramatic puff sleeves and a flouncy pleated skirt. The look was a nod to old Hollywood, proving that modesty can be just as magnetic.

Julia Garner: Gucci Drama, No Nakedness Required

Julia Garner’s second Cannes appearance was her most memorable yet. She wowed in a bespoke Gucci gown, with contrasting textures of nude sequins and draped black sheer fabric. The gown’s expert layering and sculptural lines showed that you don’t need to bare all to be unforgettable.

Eva Longoria: Sequins, Shine, and Two-For-One Glam

A Cannes mainstay, Eva Longoria delivered not one but two standout looks. She first appeared in a liquid emerald green Elie Saab gown, dripping in sequins and paired with Wicked green Chopard earrings. Later, she switched to a Tamara Ralph Couture gown with mirrorball panels and a subtle train, balancing drama and dress code compliance.

Alessandra Ambrosio: Zuhair Murad’s Ethereal Muse

Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio floated down the carpet in a Zuhair Murad creation, paired with Pomellato high jewelry. The gown’s delicate embellishments and soft silhouette embodied Cannes’ signature blend of glamour and grace.

Halle Berry: Voluminous, But Rule-Abiding

Halle Berry, who had to swap her original Gaurav Gupta gown due to the new regulations, dazzled in a Celia Kritharioti dress with a fitted black bodice and frothy pink gingham skirt. It was playful, bold, and just within the boundaries of the festival’s updated code.

The Verdict: Cannes 2025, Where Chic Reigns Supreme

Despite the last-minute ban on naked dresses and dramatic trains, the 2025 Cannes Film Festival red carpet has proven that true style adapts and endures. From Bella Hadid’s rule-bending Saint Laurent to Irina Shayk’s vintage polka dots and Eva Longoria’s sequined drama, the stars have embraced a new era of elegance-without sacrificing personality or impact.

As the festival continues, one thing is clear: at Cannes, the world’s most fashionable red carpet, the best looks are always the ones that rewrite the rules.