Cannes Film Festival Bans ‘Naked Dresses’ and Voluminous Gowns on Red Carpet for 2025

Summary Bullets:

• Cannes enforces new “decency” rules, banning nudity and oversized outfits on the red carpet

• Critics argue the move reflects rising cultural conservatism and double standards

• Fashion insiders say Cannes’ red carpet is increasingly a commercial platform

• Historical controversies surrounding female attire at Cannes resurface

• Debate grows over the role and rules of red carpet fashion in global film festivals

Festival Sets New Dress Code for Decency

The Cannes Film Festival has introduced a new red carpet regulation for 2025 that prohibits sheer or revealing attire, popularly dubbed as “naked dresses.” According to an official statement, “for decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.” The new policy also extends to gowns with large trains that obstruct guest movement or seating, effectively banning voluminous outfits as well.

The decision has sparked criticism from both fashion observers and rights activists, who view it as part of a broader cultural shift towards conservatism. The policy comes at a time when public discourse around women’s bodily autonomy is gaining global attention.

Double Standards and Past Fashion Controversies

Notably, Cannes has a long and complicated history with fashion policing. In 2015, women were reportedly turned away for wearing flats instead of high heels. Critics argue this year’s nudity ban exposes a continuing double standard — where female nudity is common on screen yet now outlawed from the red carpet.

“Bare skin is banned on the carpet, yet once inside, it’s right there on the screen. Almost always female, of course,” wrote fashion watchdog account Boring Not Com. Similar inconsistencies were raised in 2016 during the controversial burkini ban in France, which prohibited Muslim women from wearing modest swimwear, citing public order concerns.

Fashion vs Film: What Is the Red Carpet For?

The rules raise questions about the purpose of red carpet events. What began as a showcase for film talent has evolved into a platform for luxury fashion marketing, with celebrities often paid tens of thousands of dollars to wear specific designers. At Cannes, however, financial influence is said to be more muted, allowing for greater stylistic freedom.

Nonetheless, the event is increasingly seen as an unofficial fashion week. In recent years, red carpet outfits — such as Bella Hadid’s Saint Laurent gown in 2024 — generated as much buzz as the films themselves.

Reactions from Public Figures

Actress Halle Berry, when asked about the dress code pivot, remarked, “I had to make a pivot – but the nudity part I do think is probably also a good rule.” Others, like Rose McGowan, have previously defended transparent or revealing outfits as symbols of empowerment.

For now, Cannes insists the new policy is about maintaining decorum. But critics argue it’s an attempt to reassert control over how women choose to present themselves — one that might backfire in an era where red carpet fashion is arguably more influential than ever.