The Cannes Film Festival has formally announced new guidelines restricting nudity and overly large garments on its red carpet. This decision follows a series of headline-grabbing incidents, including a topless protester in 2022 and Bianca Censori’s sheer ensemble at the Grammys earlier this year.
In a statement, the festival explained that although dress codes have always been existed, they are now being strictly enforced in accordance with both the festival’s standards and French law.
“The objective is not to control fashion in general, but to avoid total nudity and extremely bulbous clothing at red carpet events,” the official statement stated. Organizers pointed out that such outfits may interfere with the experience of other patrons and pose safety concerns.
As reported by Variety, the revised charter empowers the festival to bar entry to those whose costumes could hinder movement or complicate seating arrangements. While not specifically mentioned, costumes featuring long trains — such as Greta Gerwig’s elaborate pink ensemble — could be affected, particularly on the cramped steps of the Palais des Festivals.
Red carpet dress code regulations at Cannes have long been a source of controversy. The festival had faced criticism for its requirement of “elegant” footwear at nighttime screenings — an unofficial rule that many saw as imposing high heels for women.
While Cannes remains committed to its tradition of sophistication and prestige, the organizers hope to balance fashion freedom with decorum and functionality.
ALSO READ: 59 White Afrikaners admitted as refugees to US, sparking debate over racial bias