The Cannes Film Festival commenced with its signature glamour, as celebrities navigated a newly enforced dress code with style and grace. The updated regulations, which emphasize decorum and practicality, did little to dim the sartorial spectacle on the opening night.
The festival’s official guidelines clarified that nudity is prohibited on the red carpet and that overly voluminous outfits, particularly those with large trains that could disrupt guest movement or theater seating, are not permitted. This shift prompted some last-minute wardrobe adjustments but ultimately led to a showcase of elegant and considered fashion.
Model Bella Hadid presented a sleek, floor-length black gown from Saint Laurent, a sophisticated choice that featured a high leg slit and an open back. The look also served as the debut of her new blonde hair color on the red carpet. Her appearance marked a notable departure from the more revealing ensembles she has worn at the festival in previous years.
Actress and jury member Halle Berry embraced a bold, graphic aesthetic in a black-and-white striped trapeze dress. She acknowledged the dress code, revealing she had to change her original gown selection at the last minute because its train was deemed too large. “I’m not going to break the rules,” she stated, adding her approval for the guidelines on nudity.
Other standout moments included Julia Garner’s glamorous take on the code, wearing a sheer black gown layered over a sequined slip dress. Alessandra Ambrosio made a statement in an avant-garde green gown with dramatic, fluffy sleeves, while Lady Victoria Hervey opted for a feathered pale pink creation.
The evening also featured notable appearances beyond fashion. Actor Robert De Niro attended with his partner, Tiffany Chen, and later used his acceptance of a lifetime achievement award to deliver pointed criticism of former President Donald Trump’s policies regarding arts funding and proposed tariffs on foreign films.
The opening night demonstrated that even within defined parameters, the red carpet at Cannes remains a premier stage for personal style and memorable moments.
