Cannes Film Festival bans nudity on the red carpet. What does it mean for the ‘naked’ dress? | CNN
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is making headlines — but this time, it’s not about the films. Organizers have officially banned nudity on the red carpet, signaling a major shift in the festival’s fashion policy. This sudden change is expected to directly impact the rising popularity of the ‘naked dress’ trend, which has become a staple among celebrities in recent years.
What Is the ‘Naked Dress’ Trend?
The naked dress refers to sheer or transparent gowns that reveal significant portions of the body. These outfits, often made with chiffon, lace, or mesh, are designed to highlight the wearer’s figure while pushing the boundaries of traditional red carpet attire.
In recent years, celebrities like Bella Hadid, Florence Pugh, and Nadia Lee Cohen have embraced the trend to gain attention and media coverage. However, with Cannes’ new rules, these daring looks may no longer be welcome.
New Dress Code at Cannes 2025
Just 24 hours before the Cannes Film Festival 2025 kicked off, a major amendment appeared on the festival’s official website. The new guidelines state:
“Nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival.”
This rule, according to the organizers, was introduced “for decency reasons.”
In addition to banning nudity, Cannes also announced restrictions on voluminous outfits with long trains, possibly to maintain safety and crowd control on the red carpet.
Key Dress Code Updates:
- No nudity allowed on the red carpet or festival grounds.
- Outfits with oversized trains or extreme volume are restricted.
- These changes aim to preserve the event’s elegance and focus on film, not shock value.
Fashion Statements That Might Not Make the Cut
Last year, Bella Hadid turned heads in a completely sheer Saint Laurent halter-neck gown during the premiere of The Apprentice. Similarly, Vicky Krieps wore a transparent Armani Privé boudoir-style dress, while Nadia Lee Cohen appeared in a knit see-through outfit.
Under the new rules, these outfits may now be in violation of the festival’s dress code. But the ambiguity lies in the definition of nudity itself.
What Counts as Nudity?
This raises an important question: What exactly qualifies as nudity under Cannes’ new policy?
- Is partial transparency acceptable?
- Do printed body images, like those used by Jean-Paul Gaultier, violate the rule?
- Would a bare nipple or sheer chest panel be grounds for denial?
There’s no official clarification yet, and fashion designers are left speculating about the boundaries.
Controversy and Influence Behind the Rule
The decision may have been influenced by increasing criticism of red carpet looks that favor shock value over style. A notable example is Bianca Censori, who wore a completely see-through netted dress at the 2025 Grammys, sparking debate over whether the naked dress has gone too far.
While such bold fashion moves generate media buzz, Cannes Film Festival organizers seem determined to refocus attention on cinema rather than exhibitionist fashion.
A Shift Toward Elegance and Subtlety
This move could signal a broader change in red carpet fashion. As one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, Cannes has long been a symbol of glamour and sophistication. The nudity ban may encourage designers and stylists to embrace more elegant, artistic, and respectful approaches to fashion.
What Celebrities and Designers Should Expect:
- Stricter scrutiny of red carpet outfits
- Greater emphasis on tasteful presentation
- Less tolerance for outfits designed solely for viral attention
What’s Next for the Naked Dress Trend?
While this rule affects Cannes specifically, it could set a precedent for other global events like the Oscars, Venice Film Festival, or the Met Gala. The fashion industry may now face a turning point — where creativity must balance with decorum.
Designers may evolve the trend by using:
- Illusion fabrics that appear sheer but offer coverage
- Strategic embellishments to comply with decency rules
- Sculptural silhouettes that are eye-catching yet refined
Final Thoughts
The Cannes Film Festival’s nudity ban is more than a dress code change — it reflects a deeper cultural shift. As red carpet fashion continues to evolve, the spotlight may finally return to artistic expression, storytelling, and elegance, rather than shock factor.
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