Image Source- The Hollywood Reporter India

From Amal Clooney to Dakota Johnson in 2025: Cannes was a gown lover’s paradise! This year’s main event was a parade of long, flowing gowns, vintage and fresh alike, whether gracing the festival’s historic ceremonies or any soirée where guests waited endlessly for outrageously wealthy French film producers to make their grand entrance.

As we wrap up the 2 weeks, here are some of the best of the best that graced the red carpet.

The French Riviera saw some of the largest names in acting and modeling at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Reports are stating that guests of the festival also experienced a last-minute change to the official dress code the moment the festival opened its doors. The change in dress code was reportedly to tone down the spotlight on outfits considered over-the-top or unsuitable, and turn the attention back to the film industry—the real star of the occasion.

The new dress code for the Cannes Film Festival 2025, running until May 24, prohibits “naked dressing” for “decency reasons.” It also prohibits “voluminous outfits,” specifically large outfits with “large trains that block the proper flow of traffic of guests and make seating in the theatre problematic.”

The 5 Dresses at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 that Broke the Internet

1. Alia Bhatt rocking the Italian X Indian Ensemble 

Alia Bhatt made her Cannes debut in a custom Gucci outfit, an Indian sari in a brand made in Italy. It was a special moment, even with a power outage at her hotel, Bhatt’s sophisticated appearance shone bright. Alia Bhatt wore a sari with Gucci’s GG monogram, a mini Jackie bag – both borrowed from Italians – that would inspire all of India’s culture.

An unexpected costume moment became the highlight of the Cannes Film Festival 2025. She even mentioned in an interview that, even though it was a bit chaotic, she thrives in this kind of environment.

2. Dakota Johnson as Cher in the 1960s

Dakota Johnson showed up to the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival 2025 in a tiered fringed Gucci dress. She paired this with long straight hair and heavy bangs and would have been easily mistaken for Cher back in the 1960s. 

Dakota Johnson stuck to the dress code that was enforced by the Cannes Film Festival 2025 just hours before showtime and still managed to shine brightly in this pretty, shiny, and very hippie chic ensemble.

3. Kylie Verzosa wearing a buttered flower! 

Don’t worry, it’s not real butter. The actress wore a Mark Bumgarner dress that features this season’s beautiful yellow colour and a three-dimensional floral skirt that gave it a silky, buttery look. One of the best, on-theme looks at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.

4. Elle Fanning looks every bit the Aurora she is 

Dressed in Armani Privé, the gorgeous actress surprise at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 with extraordinary beauty on the red carpet. The dress was thematic about the dress code; she was in character, personifying both the princess and the spirit of Princess Aurora.

She wore a sequined gown, in a soft aqua color, strapless, plunging sweetheart neckline with a crystal trim and short train, a whole bunch of fluffy glittering embroidered roses on the dress.

5. Elsa Hosk’s Homage to Claudia Schiffer 

Elsa Hosk walked the Cannes Film Festival 2025 red carpet in a black bodycon gown, vintage Thierry Mugler AW95 couture. This long-sleeved sheer and optical dress was originally worn by Claudia Schiffer on the runway. She even styled the look the same way with an adornment of layered choker pearls and a blush flower that sat on the side of her classic updo, with the iconic black-and-blush reversible coat around her wrist and the train behind her. 

The 5 dresses at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 that missed the mark…

1. Heidi Klum breaking the dress code .. TWICE 

Heidi Klum walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 in an Elie Saab gown that not only defied the dress code but also looked unflattering on the model. 

The metallic dress she wore to the “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” premiere was just as disastrous as the other one, and unfortunately, she made it on our worst-dressed list.

2. Alexander Skarsgard failed to mix and match 

Alexander Skarsgard failed to mix and match correctly. Donning a sharp Saint Laurent suit and the pants were tucked into large, oversized leather boots. Although it was a fantastic look, it was useless and did not complement his overall appearance.

3. Julia Garner and the final attempt at fashion 

Although her fashion portfolio is incredible, her dress at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 was something that looked like it was pulled from a cheap boutique at the last minute due to the changes in rules. The gown, a Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford design, paired with daring black heels, wasn’t doing much for the look.

4. Jeremy Strong in last night’s pajamas 

Jeremy Strong’s unserious look at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 stirred up a storm online, with many calling him bold for the boring but funny look. His brown ensemble included a button-up shirt, a wrap blazer, straight-leg trousers, and a bow tie, all cut with raw hems.

While it was a good outfit for a casual event, at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, it was simply too washed out.

5. Halle Berry’s last-minute upgrade to the Zebra Collection 

Halle Berry suffered insane last-minute dress upgrades as she told the reporters. She had initially intended to wear a nice Gaurav Gupta dress, but had to pivot over the rules. 

Here at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, she was wearing a simple white Jacquemus long gown with a black-and-white stripe type print. Unfortunately for her, the dress was baggy and was much too big for her.

As the Cannes Film Festival 2025 comes to a close, complete with its own set of drama, disasters, and dreams, this list has certainly shown us who dresses to make history and who stirs up a controversy. 

Even though some stars missed the mark, and some made the mark – they all gave us something to talk about, so here’s to glitter, the glamour, and the glorious chaos of it all.