After the madness that was the MET Gala, the month of May has more to offer the fashion fanatics, and it’s none other than the Cannes Film Festival. While all the celebs are ready to slay in their ensembles on May 13, it looks like they might have to scale back due to some changes in this year’s institution of dress code. So, until May twenty-four, all the celebs attending film premieres will have to follow the organisation’s strict outfit guidelines, which appear to have hardened. We don’t make the rules, but here are some you might have to look out for!
Cannes Film Festival Dress Code Changes
As per the official FAQ website for the Cannes Film Festival, attendees are not allowed to be ‘n*de’ anywhere at the festival, including the red carpet, for reasons of ‘decency.’ The guidelines also discourage overly voluminous outfits, especially those with long trails, as they can obstruct guest movements and also make theatre seating uncomfortable and complicated. For guests attending screenings between 7 PM and 10 PM, Grand Théâtre Lumière, known for its iconic red carpet moments, is expected to be dressed in formal eveningwear, such as long gowns and tuxedos.
The website also highlighted the alternative styles that both men and women choose to wear within the vague category. These options included- a little black dress, a cocktail dress, a dark pantsuit, a dressy top with black trousers, a black or navy blue suit paired with a bow tie or a dark tie. All of this, according to the organisation, falls into the category of formal wear.
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The footwear guidelines on the website are fairly specific; elegant shoes, with or without heels, would be fine, but sneakers are a no-go. If you know Cannes, then you must be familiar with the fact that anything worn below the ankle can create as much buzz as the outfit. Several women were reportedly turned away from the premiere of Carol in 2015, for wearing flats, spotlighting the festival’s unspoken high-heel expectations. Fast forward to 2023, when Jennifer Lawrence caused a buzz by swapping heels for flip-flops on the red carpet- though she later clarified that it was for comfort rather than rebellion.
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Even with the harsh rules surrounding the Cannes Film Festival, it is amusing to see how the celebs would play it on the red carpet. And most importantly, would anyone be bold enough to break them? Because while Cannes is all about the films, it also relies on the internet-breaking fashion moments that rely on unexpected nak*d ensembles!