The Best Dressed at Cannes 2025
The fashion world stirred just days before the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival when the organisers announced a new dress code for the carpet – no long trains and no naked dressing. Given that Cannes is one of the most glamorous events on the social calendar, with looks being curated months in advance, it was set to be an interesting few days surveying how stylists and celebrities adapted their looks to the fresh set of rules. Naturally, some were more strait-laced – whilst others rebelled against the new regulations. Regardless, despite the disruptions, the fashion-forward red carpet did not cease to impress and bring an extra layer of heat to the French Riviera.
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Bella Hadid
The fan appointed Queen of Cannes made headlines as she debuted her brand-new blonde hair alongside an elegant black custom dress by Yves Saint Laurent, which skirted around the ground rules with a high slit and open back. She complimented the look with strappy sandals and statement emerald earrings by Chopard.
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Margaret Qualley
Unsurprisingly, Qualley graced the carpet in a custom Chanel look, and as an ambassador for the brand, she absolutely impressed. With a dress inspired by an archival piece from 1990, she looked classic as ever. The soft pink number featured a shawl neckline, a subtle slit and a Chanel staple – a black bow with a white camellia flower at the centre. The dress was paired with a French fashion staple – a pair of timeless ballet flats – a rarity for such an occasion.
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Viola Davis
Viola Davis stunned in a beautiful, bright and bold chiffon gown designed by Gucci. The colour suited her perfectly and she completed the look with a silver Bulgari necklace with an emerald centrepiece. Davis can always be relied upon to be a visionary on the red carpet and she did not disappoint with this look.
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Colman Domingo
The French Film Festival extends beyond the typical red carpet, as it stems into multiple associated events – including the AMFAR gala. Domingo was a guest of honour as he hosted the luxury fashion show – and he certainly looked the part in custom Valentino. Designed by himself in collaboration with creative director Alessandro Michele, the black embellished suit featured a wrap jacket and was paired with lace socks and ballet flats.
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Cate Blanchett
It was left to Oscar-winning Australian actress Cate Blanchett to close the carpet on the final day of Cannes – and she undeniably did it in a glamorous fashion. In head-to-toe custom Louis Vuitton, she opted for a classic black high neck dress with a twist, as it featured a dramatic cape comprised of tulle and lace, which fell gracefully as she ascended the stairs.
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Elle Fanning
Fanning dazzled throughout the week with a parade of stunning looks both on and off the carpet – but the highlight was a pale blue silk and tulle gown worn to the closing ceremony. The custom Chanel look was straight out of a fairytale with intricate embroidery, jewelled buttons and a black velvet bow cinching the waist. Her low bun and elegant Cartier jewels had a serene feel, rounding out the modern day Cinderella-esque look perfectly.
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Paul Mescal
Nobody is denying that the classic black suit is starting to feel a little tired on the red carpet – but Mescal offered a twist that took it from basic to classic. The custom Gucci tuxedo was traditional, but the pairing with a black neck-tie shirt provided a chic twist, placing this look somewhere between retro and fashion-forward – which is what Cannes is all about.
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Kristen Stewart
Given the new rigid dress code in place, many attendees opted to keep it safe and clean on the carpet – Stewart was not amongst them. As a long-time Chanel ambassador, it was unsurprising that she chose the French fashion house to dress her, but whilst doing so they absolutely broke the mould. She donned a satin suit – most notably featuring Bermuda shorts – with a complimentary shirt that was left partially open to offer the illusion it was cropped. Her miniature black tie paired perfectly with the black high heels she controversially styled with white socks – adding an edgy touch to an already alternative red carpet moment.
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Eva Longoria
Twenty years on from her Cannes debut in a $40 dress, Longoria continues to shine on the carpet – this year quite literally – with a metallic blue sequinned gown. The Elie Saab number offered a beautifully crafted halter neck and an exquisite drape design, offering a level of drama we have grown to expect from Eva’s looks at the Mediterranean festival.
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Jeremy Strong
It seemed nobody had as much fun with fashion as Strong did throughout his time in the French Riviera. He truly embraced every colour of the rainbow – albeit with muted tones – across an array of events – but the standout look was that worn in the closing ceremony. He stole the show in a pastel blue, custom Lanvin suit, complete with a double-breasted jacket, a pussy bow tie, and sunglasses by Jacque Maries Mage.
