Naked is no longer acceptable! The new rules of the Cannes Film Festival are sexist

On Tuesday (May 13), the 78th Cannes International Film Festival kicks off – and with a significantly stricter dress code. The official festival website now states that "nude is prohibited on the red carpet and in all other areas of the festival for reasons of decency." Anyone who violates this rule will be barred from the red carpet.

It's easy to assume that the new rule is a reaction to the trend for the so-called naked dress—dresses that play with transparent fabrics or revealing cuts. Yet there have been many appearances in the past, including in Cannes, that demonstrated how beautifully and elegantly this style can be interpreted.

Last year, for example, Bella Hadid appeared in a sheer halter-neck dress with delicate draping by Saint Laurent. Before that, Irina Shayk wore a bikercore-inspired leather dress by up-and-coming designer Mowola Ogunlesi, which barely covered more than her breasts.

And beyond Cannes, Kate Moss' appearance in a shimmering, transparent Jean-Louis dress at a party in the 1990s has long been considered a style-defining reference: This look was not only a fashion statement, but for many observers also amounted to an act of self-empowerment - a rebellion against the sexualizing male gaze.

Kristen Stewart rebels against dress codes in Cannes in 2018

Back to Cannes: The dress codes there are long gone. Flat shoes, for example, were strictly forbidden for female film festival guests until last year. A rule that Kristen Stewart rebelled against in 2018: On the red carpet in Cannes, she demonstratively took off her high heels and simply walked barefoot. In an interview at the time, she explained: "If you don't tell men to wear high heels and a dress, you can't tell me to either."

According to the website, Cannes now also discourages "voluminous garments," especially overly opulent gowns with long trains. So, not only is too little fabric forbidden, but too much fabric is also prohibited. Instead, the organizers "allow" classic, conservative—and therefore rather boring—fashion. Evening gowns, dark pantsuits, or "an elegant top" with black trousers for women; a dark suit for men.

Especially now, a cultural event should also create free space

The fact that a bit of skin or a long train is condemned as "offensive" in Cannes says a lot about the sexist mindset of the rule-makers. The whole thing seems quite absurd, to say the least – especially at a time when cultural festivals, in particular, have the potential to stand for openness and change, rather than outdated dress codes and regression. Yet, especially in light of current political developments – such as Trump's backward-looking policies in the US or the suppression of women's protests in Iran – it is more important than ever to create spaces for free female self-expression.

Furthermore, the new rules simply prevent appearances of great fashion appeal. Such as that of Elle Fanning, who appeared in 2023 in a sculptural gown with a sparkling, fairytale train. It's a shame for the fashion world that its creativity is now being further curtailed at one of the most important events of the year – precisely where viewers are meant to be amazed, inspired, and enchanted. But that requires freedom. And that's precisely what will be lacking at today's opening of the film festival.

Incidentally, the Instagram account @stylenotcom commented on the whole thing very aptly: “Some of the stars were already wearing nothin ' , but now they have literally nothing to wear.” Dear people of Cannes – we are disappointed!