Cannes 2025: Elegance, Defiance, and Red Carpet Icons

The world's most prestigious film festival showcases fashion's most mesmerizing moments

By The Celebrity Editorial Team

The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened on May 13 with a stunning show of cinematic talent and high fashion. This year came with evolving red carpet regulations aimed at limiting excessive trains and revealing ensembles. Halle Berry revealed she had to change her outfit after learning of the new rules. Meanwhile, the new rules did not stop Heidi Klum and Wan Qianhui who both arrived in dramatic, sweeping trains—subverting the rules with artistic rebellion.

The opening night screening of Partir Un Jour (Leave One Day) set an exquisite tone, with A-listers interpreting formal wear through personal aesthetic narratives such as Bella Hadid whose sultry appearance in Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello stunned audiences.

Bella Hadid in a Saint Laurent cross-back silk satin gown with a thigh-high slit, paired with Georgia sandals in satin crepe and rhinestones—an understated look that balances modern design with refined detail. (Photos courtesy of Saint Laurent)

Also on the red carpet, Juliette Binoche exemplified timeless French elegance in Dior Haute Couture, donning an off-white silk crepe ensemble. Her appearance further marked her perennial status as a sartorial icon.

Juliette Binoche in a draped ivory silk crepe peplum top paired with silk crepe Dior Haute Couture trousers—an elegant look that combines effortless sophistication with precise craftsmanship. (Photo courtesy of Dior)

Also wearing Dior, author and jury member Leila Slimani appeared in a relaxed white cotton shirt paired with a tie-dye silk skirt at the Jury Photocall.

Leila Slimani in a white cotton shirt paired with a tie-dye silk skirt, accessorized with Dior—an effortless look that balances relaxed elegance with subtle artistic detail. (Photo courtesy of Dior)

Back on the red carpet, Quentin Tarantino appeared wearing a classic Dior tuxedo, with a sharply peaked lapel.

Quentin Tarantino opted for classic Dior Men, wearing a black wool peak lapel tuxedo by Kim Jones, complemented by a crisp white cotton wing-tip collar shirt, a black silk bow tie, and sleek black leather derbies—timeless sophistication with a modern touch. (Photo courtesy of Dior)

Erin Kellyman had a standout moment with McQueen in an Autumn-Winter 2025 creation—an ivory ensemble featuring a shearling bolero with a structured satin-washed organza dress. Complete with ivory leather Heron boots, the look made for an arresting statement and subtle sophistication amidst Cannes’ understated glamor.

Erin Kellyman in McQueen at Cannes, pairing shearling bolero with a satin-washed organza dress and ivory boots—bold and refined. (Photo courtesy of McQueen)

Yet it was on May 14 at the premiere of Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning where some of the festival’s most photogenic moments occured. Zoë Saldaña captivated in Saint Laurent.

Zoe Saldaña in a stunning backless satin dress, paired with a lambskin bomber jacket and Salomé wedges in satin crepe and metallic leather—an effortless blend of glamour and edge. (Photo courtesy of Saint Laurent)

At the ceremony where Leonardo DiCaprio presented legendary actor Robert De Niro with the Palme d'Or, the ever-dapper actor appeared in a tailored tuxedo by CELINE HOMME by Hedi Slimane.

Leonardo DiCaprio in Celine Homme at Cannes 2025, sporting a sleek grain de poudre wool tuxedo with a peak collar, twill bow tie, and patent calfskin derby shoes. (Photos courtesy CELINE)

Rising actor Anson Boon also opted for a tailored tuxedo by CELINE HOMME during his red carpet appearance.

Anson Boon in Celine Homme at Cannes 2025, wearing a double-breasted grain de poudre tuxedo with peak lapels, a cotton poplin shirt, twill bow tie, and polished bull derby shoes. (Photo courtesy of CELINE)

Prada's creative influence was also felt at Cannes. Diane Kruger opted for a dusty blue, paillettes-adorned transparent gown, paired with a matching feathered stole. Meanwhile, Joséphine Japy’s navy silk gabardine gown, with kimono sleeves and a geometric bow, showcased an elevated sense of architectural sophistication.

Diane Kruger stuns in a dusty blue Prada gown adorned with shimmering paillettes and a white duchess satin bust inset, complemented by a feather-edged stole, headband, and satin sandals at the "Amrum" premiere during Cannes 2024. Joséphine Japy exudes elegance in a navy blue Prada silk gabardine gown with kimono sleeves and a geometric bow detail at the "Dossier 137" red carpet. (Photos courtesy Prada / Getty)

Also wearing Prada, Director Molly Manning Walker wore a double-breasted pinstriped wool jacket and trousers from the house while Alice Rohrwacher appeared in a blue silk twill shirt paired elegantly with ivory mohair trousers.

Celebrities in Prada at Cannes 2025 opening: Molly Manning Walker in a pinstripe wool suit and Alice Rohrwacher in a blue silk shirt with ivory trousers. (Photos courtesy Daniele Venturelli)

As the festival continues through May 25, anticipation builds for the red carpet moments still to come. With some of the year’s most awaited premieres ahead, Cannes remains not only a celebration of global cinema but also a platform for boundary-pushing fashion. On the iconic steps of the Palais, style remains as much a statement as the films themselves—evolving, rebellious, and unforgettable.