With one day left for the commencement of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, the authorities have laid down some major updates to the dress code. “Voluminous outfits, in particular, those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre are not permitted”, said the official statement.
What might get charted as ‘voluminous’? While not explicitly mentioned, anything that goes beyond a traditional spectrum with grand length, width and pomp could get flagged as such.
Citing decency reasons, the ban also extends to nudity on the red carpet. “Nudity is prohibited on the Red Carpet, as well as in any other area of the Festival,” said the official statement. Variety reported that the goal of this reform is to adhere to “the aim is not to regulate attire per se, but to prohibit full nudity on the red carpet, in accordance with the institutional framework of the event and French law.”
Over the years some trends have gained momentum on the Cannes red carpet. Be it Bella Hadid’s Schiaparelli moment in 2021, Aishwarya Rai’s ever-rolling set of ‘voluminous outfits’ or Kani Kusruti’s watermelon clutch supporting Palestine last year, they were all statements that were synonymous and tailored to each person and what they wanted to stand for.
The festival in its glorious history of 78 years has borne witness to many political statements and grand sentiments, an apt example being the topless pro-Ukraine protestor who had to be escorted out of the Cannes red carpet back in 2022. “So as not to offend the participants’ various sensitivities, political, militant or electoral events or demonstrations are not permitted at the Festival,” said the report.
The Cannes carpet has always been plagued by controversy. A notable event pertained to the unspoken rule of expecting women to wear high heels to the premieres. “If you’re not asking guys to wear heels and a dress, then you can’t ask me either”, said Hollywood actress Kristen Stuart to the Hollywood Reporter after she defied traditions by removing her heels in 2016.
Will we see such rebellion unfold this year? Most probably not, as the festival has also stated that “the Festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit Red Carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”
