Dazzling couture & star power light up Cannes 2025 red carpet

Ahead of the festival, organisers introduced unprecedented wardrobe restrictions aimed at ‘preserving decency’ and improving red carpet flow. The new rules prohibited nudity and banned excessively voluminous outfits, a move that sparked widespread debate across social media and fashion circles.

The opening ceremony at the Grand Théâtre Lumière on May 13 was a star-studded affair. Bella Hadid, a regular at Cannes and often referred to as the ‘Queen of Cannes,’ captivated the crowd in a custom Saint Laurent gown featuring strategic cutouts that balanced allure and modesty. She returned to the red carpet on the second day in another Saint Laurent look, once again styled by Molly Dickson.

Tom Cruise graced the red carpet in a classic black three-piece tuxedo by Giorgio Armani, complemented by a crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and his signature black aviator sunglasses.

Eva Longoria celebrated her 20th appearance at Cannes, making a dazzling entrance in a Tamara Ralph Couture gown adorned with mirror-like panels and a dramatic black train. On the second night’s carpet, she turned heads again in a turquoise sequin Elie Saab gown.

Urvashi Rautela made a striking appearance in a dramatic, multicoloured strapless gown by Michael Cinco featuring a flowing train and a mosaic-inspired pattern. Filmmaker Payal Kapadia, serving as a jury member, graced the red carpet in a deconstructed plaid power suit by Rishta by Arjun Saluja, blending bold fashion choices with understated elegance.

Irina Shayk made an entrance in a black-and-white polka-dot gown by Armani Privé, featuring off-the-shoulder sleeves and a layered skirt. Meanwhile, Julia Garner opted for a textured, sequin-embellished Gucci gown that played with light and shadow under the camera flashes.

The red carpet also welcomed Zoe Saldaña, who made her first major appearance after her Oscar win, wearing a minimalist black Saint Laurent dress paired with a casually draped leather jacket. Angela Bassett added to the glamour in a fringe-detailed Burberry creation that swayed hypnotically as she ascended the iconic Cannes steps.

The Cannes Film Festival will continue through May 24, promising more high-profile premieres and red-carpet moments.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)