Few red carpets rival that of Cannes. For decades, the French film festival has been renowned for its sartorial significance, drawing celebrities from far beyond the world of cinema to show up and make a statement. Actors, models, musicians and – more recently – influencers and nepo babies have all made headlines for their bold Cannes looks. Does it matter that the guests often have no connection whatsoever to the film premiere they’re attending? No. A lot of the time, they don’t even bother with the screening – they just leave right after striking their pose, and strut off into the French Riviera sunshine for their next photo op.
The festival of film has become a festival of fashion, and that might have something to do with the fact that, in recent years, the outfits have been a little less substantial, to say (and wear) the least. I’m talking about naked dresses – sheer, often flimsy gowns that flash the flesh. Everyone from Bella Hadid and Elle Fanning to Natasha Poly and Kendall Jenner has worn see-through attire on the Cannes red carpet. Last year, Hadid, who frequently turns heads in her Cannes looks, wore a sheer, nude Saint Laurent dress from the label’s most recent collection. The choice prompted worldwide coverage, with everyone focusing on the same thing: that the model’s outfit exposed her breasts. Mentions of the film Hadid was attending the premiere for (The Apprentice) paled in comparison.
