Cannes show off what’s in fashion this year

It’s a red carpet like no other: the 78th Cannes Festival kicked off in pure French style on Tuesday, with svelte silhouettes, metallic and floral details, and classic tuxedos all to the fore. Oscar-winning actor Halle Berry was caught off-guard by the festival’s updated dress code and had to switch her outfit choice at the last minute, she told journalists. Under the rules, nudity is not allowed on the red carpet, and “voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train” that block the way for other guests and complicate theatre seating are also no longer permitted.

Organisers said they could deny red carpet access to those who do not respect the rules. “I had an amazing dress by Gupta to wear tonight, and I cannot wear it because the train’s too big,” Berry, who is a festival jury member this year, said at a news conference. “I had to make a pivot. But the nudity part I do think is probably also a good rule,” added the US star who won an Oscar for the 2001 film Monster’s Ball.

May 15, 2025 | 7:26 am