Cannes 2025: Who Ditching the Dress Code Stole the Show vs. Who Played It Safe
So like, the Cannes red carpet went from “timeless glamour” to low-key rule rebellion this year—some celebs basically ghosted the dress code while others kept things classic. Let’s break down who flipped the script and who stuck to the unwritten Cannes chic bible.
The big shocker? Zendaya rolled up in an ultra-sheer sculptural gown that blatantly defied the festival’s insistence on “elegant formal wear.” Vogue’s red carpet recap calls her look “an avant-garde moment with zero regard for tradition,” while People notes security did a double-take. She wasn’t alone. Harry Styles slammed in wearing customized distressed denim from his own collection under a velvet blazer—definitely not what festival programmers had in mind (per The Hollywood Reporter).
Then there was Miley Cyrus, who opted for a neon latex mini and thigh-high boots—totally Vegas meets Croisette, if you ask Elle. Cardi B followed suit in an acid-yellow corset dress with cut-outs galore, prompting a swift Insta story reaction from fashion critics. Bad Bunny showed up in a graffiti-print jumpsuit that screamed streetwear takeover, according to Harper’s Bazaar. And let’s not forget J Balvin’s laser-cut leather trench that looked more Coachella than Cannes premiere. Reporters from WWD pointed out that half the crowd was clutching nods to Dior and Armani at the welcome party, while the other half looked like they raided a punk rock secondhand shop.
Meanwhile, a handful of stars actually read the memo. Natalie Portman stuck with a classic off-the-shoulder silk gown (shout-out to InStyle’s “safe elegance” callout). Marion Cotillard played it smart in a floor-sweeping black column dress—minimalist but totally red carpet–approved, per People. Emma Stone channeled Old Hollywood glam in a belted A-line that Vogue praised as “timelessly appropriate.” Penélope Cruz showed up in a custom lace number that had festival insiders calling her “the gold standard.” Those seven who played by the rules struck a quiet chord amid the chaos, reminding everyone why Cannes used to be the dress code gold star event.
What does it all mean? Cannes 2025 felt like a fashion tug-of-war: the young guard pushing boundaries, established icons tipping their hats to tradition. Did the rebels win? Depends who you ask—buzz is already lighting up Twitter with debates over whether the dress code needs a modern overhaul. Festival organizers have reportedly sent a gentle reminder for next year’s red carpet, but based on this year’s highlights, compliance is looking optional at best.
So yeah, Cannes got weird, fabulous, and a little bit messy. Keep an eye out for how the suits in charge respond—and if you’re planning your own festival fit, maybe sneak in that neon latex. Anyway, that’s the lowdown. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Vogue, People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Harper’s Bazaar
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
