Cannes Film Festival Implements Controversial Dress Code Changes, Sparking Outcry
In a surprise announcement just hours before its opening, the Cannes Film Festival updated its dress code, banning voluminous gowns with trains and sheer dresses. This follows a six-year history of evolving fashion rules and public backlash, notably the outcry against prohibiting women from wearing flat shoes on the red carpet. Stylist Karla Welch responded on Instagram, calling the new guidelines “BORING and patriarchal.”
Industry insiders voiced concerns about the implications of this dress code on designers and stylists who invest months of work to create custom outfits. Red carpet appearances are crucial for propelling a designer’s brand, with the potential to generate significant media impact value (MIV) for brands post-event. A recent study by Launchmetrics revealed that Louis Vuitton earned an impressive $55.2 million in MIV from dressing various celebrities at the 2025 Met Gala, primarily through indirect media coverage.
However, the business practices surrounding red carpet fashion are less glamorous. Many young designers struggle to cover the costs of alterations and shipping for their outfits, particularly when last-minute gown changes occur. The pressures can be overwhelming; a designer has faced a catastrophic loss when a courier lost a gown meant for Beyoncé.
Despite the challenges, the potential for celebrity endorsements to elevate a designer’s status remains strong. The emergence of new brands is often overshadowed by agreements with luxury houses, as stylists increasingly favor established names over emerging talents.
Yet, as industry veterans note, independent designers still manage to carve out significant moments on the red carpet, showcasing that even amidst the competition, originality and innovation can shine through. The changing landscape presents new challenges and opportunities but remains a vital stage for fashion’s next generation.
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