Cannes Red Carpet Rebels: A History of Dress Code Defiance
Established in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has implemented a rigorous dress code for all attendees, both male and female. Throughout its history, several high-profile breaches have occurred, including Pablo Picasso in 1953, Henry Miller in 1960, Ilona Staller in 1988, Madonna in 1991, and Victoria Abril in 1997. The controversy over heels gained traction with Uma Thurman and Susan Sarandon opting for flats in 2011 and 2016, respectively, while Kristen Stewart removed her heels in 2018. Julia Roberts went without shoes in 2016. Although selfies were prohibited in 2018, some, like Pixie Lott, disregarded the rule. In 2019, DJ Kiddy Smile was denied entry for wearing a floral gown. In 2023, Jennifer Lawrence donned flip-flops, and Mahlagha Jaberi protested Iran's death penalty. While naked dresses were banned in 2024, Bella Hadid wore sheer gowns in 2025 and 2026.
Key facts
- Cannes Film Festival launched in 1946 after WWII delay.
- Dress code requires jackets and ties for men, high heels and long dresses for women.
- Pablo Picasso wore shearling coat over corduroy tuxedo in 1953.
- Henry Miller ejected in 1960 for lacking dinner jacket; his vote helped La Dolce Vita win Palme d'Or.
- Ilona Staller (Cicciolina) wore transparent cutout dress in 1988.
- Madonna revealed Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra at 1991 premiere.
- Kristen Stewart removed Louboutins at 2018 Blackkklansman premiere.
- Selfies banned in 2018 by Thierry Frémaux.
- DJ Kiddy Smile denied entry in 2019 for wearing floral gown.
- Jennifer Lawrence wore flip-flops in 2023, claiming it was unintentional.
- Mahlagha Jaberi wore golden noose gown in 2023 to protest Iran death penalty.
- Naked dresses banned in 2024; Bella Hadid wore sheer Saint Laurent gown.
- In 2025, multiple attendees defied no-voluminous-gowns rule.
- Charlotte Cardin wore sheer Saint Laurent gown in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Pablo Picasso
- Henry Miller
- Federico Fellini
- Georges Simenon
- Ilona Staller
- Jeff Koons
- Madonna
- Victoria Abril
- Uma Thurman
- Inès de La Fressange
- Susan Sarandon
- Kristen Stewart
- Julia Roberts
- Pixie Lott
- Oliver Cheshire
- DJ Kiddy Smile
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Mahlagha Jaberi
- Bella Hadid
- Wan QianHui
- Farhana Bodi
- Heidi Klum
- Halle Berry
- Charlotte Cardin
Institutions
- Cannes Film Festival
- Venice Film Festival
- Dior
- Louboutin
- Saint Laurent
- Armani Privé
- Chopard
- Jila Atelier
- Celia Kritharioti
- Vogue
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Entertainment Tonight
- Europe 1 Radio
Locations
- Cannes
- France
- French Riviera