The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events on the international red carpet, is no stranger to breathtaking fashion moments and headline-making style choices. However, in 2025, the festival took a firm stance on red carpet dress codes, emphasizing decorum and restraint over extravagance and revealing ensembles. This change led to an unexpected twist for Hollywood icon Halle Berry, who found herself forced to swap out her original gown to comply with the newly implemented rules. Here’s the full story behind Halle Berry’s outfit switch and what it means for red carpet fashion’s evolving narrative.

New Rules, New Looks: Cannes’ Dress Code Overhaul

Just days before the festival kicked off on May 13, 2025, organizers released a “festival-goer’s charter” that introduced stricter dress code guidelines. Among the most significant changes was a clear prohibition on “nudity” — specifically banning skin-baring outfits and voluminous gowns that could obstruct traffic flow or complicate seating arrangements. Large bags and backpacks were also forbidden, aiming to streamline the guest experience.

The new rules signaled Cannes’ intent to bring a sense of elegance and order back to the red carpet, curbing the excesses seen in recent years.

To get a closer look at how these new regulations are shaping the festival’s atmosphere, watch the official coverage of the Cannes Film Festival kicking off with its revamped dress code below.

Halle Berry’s Fashion Pivot: From Gurav Gupta to Jacquemus

Halle Berry, a revered Oscar-winning actress and a jury member at Cannes, was slated to stun in a voluminous Gurav Gupta gown. However, due to the dress code revisions, the gown’s large train and revealing elements were deemed inappropriate under the new guidelines. At a press conference, Halle candidly shared her experience: “I had an amazing dress by Gupta to wear tonight, and I cannot wear it because the train’s too big… Of course, I’m going to follow the rules, so I had to make a pivot.”

Ultimately, she opted for a more modest black and white striped trapeze gown by Jacquemus, which complied with the updated standards while maintaining her signature style and elegance. Halle expressed support for the “no nudity” rule, emphasizing the importance of decorum at such a globally significant event.

Mixed Reactions From the Public and Social Media

The public’s response to Halle Berry’s outfit change and the Cannes dress code was mixed but lively. Many praised the festival’s move towards class and refinement, with comments like, “The red carpet could use a bit of decorum now,” and “Thank you, Cannes, for imposing the rule.” Others were skeptical, questioning whether the restrictions dampened celebrities’ creative expression.

Social media buzzed with playful and critical remarks, some poking fun at Halle’s wardrobe dilemma, others applauding her grace in adapting. The debate highlighted the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in celebrity fashion.

Contextualizing the Dress Code: Fashion Freedom vs. Festival Decorum

Cannes isn’t the first major event to grapple with balancing bold fashion statements and event etiquette. The 2025 Met Gala also saw Halle Berry don a daring sheer striped dress that sparked both admiration and controversy. These moments underscore the evolving conversation about what red carpet fashion should represent — art, personal expression, or a reflection of societal standards.

The new dress code at Cannes suggests a shift toward prioritizing respect for the event’s heritage and audience, possibly signaling a new era where glamor and modesty coexist.

Behind the Scenes: Halle Berry’s Candid Moments and Insights

Off the red carpet, Halle Berry shared glimpses of her Cannes trip, including lighthearted videos with her partner Van Hunt. She also offered her perspective on contemporary film discussions, such as the debate over whether James Bond should be portrayed as a woman in future films. Her reflections show a celebrity deeply engaged with cultural dialogues beyond fashion.

Video

Cannes 2025 heats up as Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, and Bella Hadid stun on the red carpet following the ‘naked dress’ ban – watch the standout looks now!

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Cannes and Celebrity Style

Halle Berry’s wardrobe pivot at Cannes 2025 marks more than a personal fashion adjustment; it encapsulates the festival’s renewed commitment to decorum and its impact on celebrity culture. As Cannes balances its glamorous reputation with calls for modesty, the red carpet becomes a stage for evolving ideas about beauty, respect, and expression.

For stars like Halle Berry, navigating these changes means blending compliance with individuality — a challenge that will continue to shape the future of red carpet fashion for years to come.