The most outrageous red carpet looks that forced Cannes to ban ‘naked dresses’
CANNES Film Festival is the Mediterranean jewel in Hollywood’s crown, wit A-Listers desperate to get an invite to the coveted red carpet premieres.
Stars get dressed to the nines, teaming up with renowned designers to grace said red carpets in dresses worth more than the average person’s payslip.
But as outfit choices got riskier and riskier throughout the years, with some celebs leaving little to the imagination, bosses have now BANNED nudity from the festival.
The annual bash, which opened on Monday and sees films’ finest flock to France to preview new movies, now requires attendees to cover up.
Visitors to the invitation-only event have been warned: “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.”
The decision has proved controversial, especially given the full-frontal fashion was worn by confident women taking pride in their bodies.
“Fashion is just another form of art and expression — something Cannes claims to acknowledge,” says Fabulous’ in-house fashion expert, Clemmie Fieldsend.
“France is the home of style, so for it to ban stylish dresses that are meticulously created is a bit sad.
“And what’s next — no nudes in the Louvre? Venus de Milo needs a dressing gown?
“What difference does a little flash of flesh really make?
“Shouldn’t we be celebrating the confident women who take pride in their body and look amazing, as well as the artistry that goes into their fashion choices — not banning them?”
Fabulous takes a look at the riskiest Cannes Film Festival red carpet looks of all time…
Julia Fox
Actress and pop culture icon Julia Fox, 35, left jaws on the floor when she wore a see-through ‘glass’ top on the Cannes red carpet in 2023.
Kanye West’s former girlfriend made the festival an opportunity to put her innovative sense of style on full display.
The abstract, glass-like top was held around her body by sleek halter neck and back straps, which she paired with a poofy white skirt.
Irina Shayk
Russian model Irina Shayk, 39, sparked a media frenzy when rocking up to Cannes Film Festival in nothing but undies… But at least they were Gucci.
She wore a sheer dress and lingerie set from the Italian fashion house’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection, pairing it with mesh gloves and stockings.
Speaking with CNN during the festival, Irina said that her fashion “have evolved” over the past decade.
Cindy Kimberly
England footballer Dele Alli’s girlfriend Cindy Kimberly, 26, left nothing to the imagination when she took to the Cannes red carpet in 2023.
The model wore a gold backless, chain maxi dress that was encrusted with crystals, protecting her modesty with only a black string thong.
The dress was an original and unreleased design from her clothing line, LOBA by Cindy Kimberly.
Bella Hadid
A regular invitee to the Cannes Film Festival, Bella Hadid attended the The Apprentice Red Carpet last year in her most see-through outfit to date.
The supermodel, 28, joined the #FreeTheNip movement when she wore a sheer Saint Laurent dress.
The brown, halter-neck frock had rushing around the stomach, but spared the material on her chest and bottom half.
Kendall Jenner
Supermodel and Kardashian sister Kendall Jenner, 29, did what most 22-year-olds would be afraid to do at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018.
She opted for a white Schiaparelli Couture dress for the premiere of Girls of the Sun, which had an extreme-plunge neckline and a single layer of mesh covering her boobs.
The silk tulle became one of her most talked-about fashion moments to date. And not one to lose momentum, she even rocked up to one of the festival’s afterparty in a sheer mini dress with her nipples, once again, on show.
Winnie Harlow
Supermodel Winnie Harlow, 30, dared to bare at the premier of Oh Mercy! (Roubaix, Une Lumiere) at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
She took to the red carpet in a black mesh maxi dress, with only a crocodile skin embroidery and chunky scaled belt to cover her modesty.
At the time, the Ralph & Russo Couture dress was like nothing anyone had seen before, and made international headlines.
Nadia Lee Cohen
British photographer and model Nadia Lee Cohen, 32, went full-frontal at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 with a black gown courtesy of Saint Laurent.
She unashamedly joined the #FreeTheNip movement, pairing the long-sleeve dress with a string thong and pair of sunnies.
Her love affair with Saint Laurent sheer started at Paris Fashion Week the year before, when she arrived at the French fashion house’s show in a transparent dress and leather trench coat.
Hari Nef
American actress Hari Nef, 32, joined the #FreeTheNip movement at Cannes Film Festival in 2023 when she wore Fendi Spring Couture for that year.
The sheer, nude dress left little the imagination, especially given it had a dipped waist line that ensured her nipples AND belly button were on show.
Style bible Vogue later commented: “Turning looks is a full-time job for this IMG-signed model, actor and resident New York cool girl. Nef’s picks embody the modern, in-the-know woman.”
Leila Depina
Model Leila Depina proved that diamonds are a girl’s best friend when she wore a delicate chainmail dress on the Cannes red carpet in 2023.
The glamorous frock looked like she was, quite literally, dripping in diamonds, with strings of gems placed cleverly to preserve as much modesty as possible.
Leila paired her look with a nude thong and silver heels, leaving little to the imagination as she ascended up the festival stairs.
This year, the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival is taking place from right now, until May 24.
The festival opened with the French comedy film Leave One Day by Amélie Bonnin.