The Cannes Film Festival is one of the biggest film events of the world. Every year the fest is held in May where stars, directors, and fashion lovers and influencers showcase their glamorous and unique looks at the red carpet.
Over the years, it has given us unforgettable film wins, beautiful and crazy fashion moments, both good and worst. Let’s have a look at some of the most iconic moments and eight of the worst looks from Cannes history.
Let’s have a look at 5 most iconic moments-
1. Princess Diana in Blue (1987)
Princess Diana and Prince Charles walked the red carpet. Diana wore a beautiful light blue gown by Catherine Walker. Her elegant and royal look became one of the most photographed moments in Cannes history. It mixed Hollywood glamour with real royalty.
2. Aishwarya Rai’s captivating looks
Aishwarya has consistently made a statement at Cannes, blending Indian heritage with international couture. Her 2002 appearance in a shimmering gold Neeta Lulla sari was a landmark moment for Indian fashion on the global stage.
In 2010, she captivated again in an ethereal lavender Elie Saab gown, its beaded bodice and flowing train highlighting her timeless elegance. More recently, she stunned in a dreamy couture creation with a plunging neckline, corseted waist, and a voluminous, silver-embroidered skirt, further cementing her status as a Cannes icon.
3. Madonna’s Cone Bra (1991)
Madonna wore a Jean Paul Gaultier outfit with a famous pointed cone bra at the premiere of her documentary Truth or Dare (also called In Bed with Madonna). She was bold and confident. This fashion choice is still talked about as a rule-breaking iconic look.
4. Bella Hadid’s 2021 Cannes
Bella’s appearance is forever etched in fashion history thanks to her unforgettable Schiaparelli Haute Couture “lung dress.” Attending the “Three Floors” premiere, she wore a striking black wool gown with a daringly low neckline.
The focal point was a dramatic, gold-dipped necklace shaped like human lungs, instantly captivating the paparazzi. This bold and artistic choice has secured its place as one of the most iconic outfits ever seen on the Cannes red carpet.
5. Hunter Schafer’s breathtaking look
Hunter Schafer, the star of “Euphoria,” brought her signature style to the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, radiating elegance in a stunning Armani gown. The dress perfectly complemented her features, showcasing her sophisticated fashion sense.
Schafer’s presence on the red carpet added a touch of modern glamour to the prestigious event. Her choice of Armani highlighted her status as a rising fashion icon, further solidifying her influence both on and off the screen. The look was a perfect blend of classic Hollywood and contemporary chic.
Now, let’s have a look at some of the worst looks
Cannes has seen many fashion fails too. Here are eight looks that people often call the worst or most strange:
1. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu’s overwhelming ruffled dress
Actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, known from “Emily in Paris,” made a bold statement at Cannes in a fuchsia ruffled gown.
Featuring exaggerated long sleeves, a puffed semi-sheer skirt, and a cape-style train, the gown’s dramatic design ultimately overshadowed the actress. 2. Julia Fox’s shiny plastic or sheer looks
Julia’s 2023 Cannes look was bold but often called weird or try-hard. The look was criticised online.
3. Sheer and naked-style dresses
Cannes red carpets saw daring “naked dress” and revealing moments. One star sparked debate in a nearly transparent Saint Laurent gown. Milla Jovovich opted for a barely-there golden two-piece.
Julia Fox, in 2023, turned heads with an avant-garde, completely sheer plastic gown, sparking debate about its appropriateness. These bold choices pushed boundaries and ignited conversations.
4. Voluminous trains that broke rules
Long, huge voluminous dresses that made walking hard, and sometimes got stars turned away or asked to change.
5. Björk’s swan dress
2000’s Björk’s swan dress got quite famous due to its unique style, but many called it one of the strangest ever.
6. Certain 2024-2026 red carpet choices
There were many outfits like overly shiny or badly fitted gowns showcased by stars like Demi Moore or others that did not photograph well and were criticised online.
7. Early sheer or mismatched outfits
Some stars, like some Cameron Diaz or Pamela Anderson looks from the 90s/2000s, were called mismatched and looked dated or too revealing for the time.
8. Weird lipstick shades
Cannes Film Festival red carpets aren’t just about gowns; bold lipstick choices can also spark debate. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s 2016 lavender-purple lip became infamous, drawing comparisons to Smurfs and internet memes. She is not alone. Urvashi Rautela faced similar criticism in 2023 for a dark blue-teal shade, likened to a “Friends” reference.
These instances highlight how unconventional beauty choices, even on a glamorous stage like Cannes, can become targets for social media commentary.
Cannes Red Carpet Rules
- Heels Required (for Women): Since 2015, female celebrities must wear heels. Flat sandals can result in denied entry. Kristen Stewart and Julia Roberts have protested by removing their heels on the carpet.
- No Handbags Allowed: Leave your clutches and bags at the hotel. The red carpet rule book explicitly states this.
- No Selfies: Celebrities can only be photographed by official paparazzi. Selfies and personal photos are prohibited.
- Red Carpet Refresh: The 2-kilometer red carpet, first introduced in 1989, is replaced three times daily to maintain its pristine condition.
- Paparazzi Dress Code: Male paparazzi must adhere to a strict dress code: a black tuxedo suit, tie or bow tie, and formal shoes. Female paparazzi are exempt from this rule. Violation means no photos!
- Glamour is Key: While there isn’t a specific dress code for celebrities, looking glamorous is essential.
