Although Cannes is well-known for its films, everyone is currently discussing the attire.
On May 12, 2026, the 79th Annual Cannes Film Festival began in France, bringing celebrities and fashion icons to the Palais des Festivals for a week of red carpet events, galas, and premieres.
However, the event reminded them of a few regulations before any celebrities flaunted their looks. Fortunately, that didn’t stop the stylish moments or the power couple’s unexpected announcement.
The dress code has consistently been stringent.
Cannes has never been an occasion where people come as they are. The Grand Théâtre Lumière’s gala screenings demand evening attire, such as cocktail dresses, long dresses, tuxedos, or dark-coloured pantsuits, according to official regulations.
Before visitors enter, big bags and backpacks are checked into lockers, and trainers are strictly forbidden. However, since 2025, there has been a more stringent clothing code.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that the festival amended its official charter to specifically forbid anyone from attending au naturel. Oversized trains that obstruct traffic or make it difficult to sit in the theatre are also prohibited.
In accordance with French law, a festival representative said that the change was intended to reflect “certain rules that have long been in effect” and that the objective was “not to regulate attire per se but to prohibit full nudity on the carpet.”
After several famous stunts and years of progressively sheer costumes on the carpet, the change was made.
Over the years, celebrities including Elle Fanning, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner have worn sheer gowns; in 2022, a topless lady was removed off the carpet after taking off her dress in protest. Strict security has always been a feature of the Palais, and this is now reflected in the rules.
Which prominent brand ambassadors from partners like Chopard, L’Oréal, and Kering show up in precisely the kinds of outfits the new regulations appear to be intended to prevent is something the festival cannot completely control.
An Expectant Child
Prior to the fashion taking center stage, there is some truly thrilling news. Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin revealed they were expecting their first child on May 14 while they were at the festival.
Palvin, 32, posed with her hand resting beneath her baby belly while sporting a light blue dress with cap sleeves that flowed into a feathery skirt. Sprouse, 33, stood next to her in a tuxedo, his arm encircling his spouse.
On Instagram, the couple also posted a more personal picture of the actor sitting with Palvin leaning on him while he was still wearing his event attire. Palvin was perched on the armrest.
Let’s talk about such striking ensembles.
Demi Moore: Unquestionably the Festival’s Fashion Power
Demi Moore has made numerous appearances on the red carpet while serving on the jury this year, and she has made the most of every opportunity.
Cameras were flashing as the 63-year-old actress walked the red carpet for the “La Vie D’Une Femme” screening on May 13. She was wearing a purple off-the-shoulder Gucci dress.
The design included a high slit, a sweetheart neckline, and iridescent fabric that captured light from all sides.
She accessorised the ensemble with huge glittering silver rings, Chopard diamond chandelier earrings, and matching purple pumps.
On Facebook, responses were swift. “Gift wrap [sic],” said one commenter, and “Love everything but the wet looking hair [sic],” remarked another.
“Plastic never looked so gorgeous 🔥❤️🔥 [sic],” wrote a third, more positive commentator. This prompted another person to respond, “Literally thought the caption said plastic wrapped in couture 😆 [sic].”
On Instagram, the reaction was more direct and appreciative. “Looks much better with her arms covered [sic],” remarked one commenter; “Beautiful gown,” wrote another. “Very flattering,” and “Best dressed woman in Hollywood [sic]” was the statement made by a third.
Moore had been attracting attention before to the purple Gucci moment, but that was her most notable moment. She wore a white balloon-cut dress from the Jacquemus Le Palmier line, adorned with red, black, yellow, and blue polka dots, to the jury picture call on May 12. She also carried a matching printed purse.
She walked the red carpet for the opening ceremony and “La Vénus Electrique” screening that same evening wearing a custom Jacquemus sequined dress with an exaggerated corset and enormous diamond necklaces.
Moore then showed up on May 14 for the “Fatherland” screening wearing a sculptural red gown composed of wrapping paper-like crinkled cloth.
Joan Collins and Jane Fonda: Two Legends, One Memorable Night
Two women who have been dressed for red carpets for longer than most celebrities have lived appeared on the evening of May 12 and reminded everyone of the proper way to do it.
Jane Fonda donned a sleek, traditional, and utterly commanding long-sleeved black sequined gown.
Dame Joan Collins, on the other hand, wore a special white orchid long gown by Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture to the opening ceremony and the “La Vénus Electrique” screening. She also wore black opera gloves, diamond chandelier earrings, and a matching necklace.
Facebook comments on Fonda varied from loving to worried. “Beautiful woman and slim [sic],” was written by one person, “That dress looks heavy [sic],” and “She looks fabulous [sic],” by another.
A admirer also said, “She does resemble her handsome father Henry Fonda‼️ Look at her in ‘Barefoot in the Park,’ and so many other films where her beauty shines❤️🌺 [sic].”
The remarks on another Facebook clip became more open-minded.One user noted, “This dress is holding her back from breathing [sic],” while another acknowledged, “Didn’t recognise her with this hairstyle… [sic].” “I bet her hip or knee hurts,” a third person joked. She and I have identical steps! (sic)
Fans were especially excited about Collins when the two women were positioned side by side. One commenter said, “Joan Collins looks more beautiful and glamorous [sic],” while another said, “Joan Collins stole the show !!!! [sic].”
A third said, “Joan looks for me much better more natural ❤️ [sic],” and another went on to say, “Sadly Jane no longer looks the same but who would , but our Joan is still there all be it older , mind you they walk like older ladies, still in heals though amazing 👏 [sic].”
Another commenter on Facebook said, “Joan Collins was the best [sic]!!!”
Heidi Klum arrived at Cannes with multiple tricks under her sleeve.
Heidi Klum was the one who arrived at Cannes with a clear strategy to control the fashion discourse. On May 12, the first night, she wore two different outfits.
The 52-year-old supermodel showed up for the Opening Ceremony dinner wearing a glistening gold fringe dress with flowing golden tassels. Reactions were divided on Instagram.
“She’s gained a little weight & looks amazing & healthy! 💗 [sic],” was written by one commenter; “Looks tacky and too tight [sic],” was said by another; and “Why does she wear clothes so small? Increase your size.
More people liked the fringe dress on Facebook. She looks amazing! Gorgeous, voluptuous, feminine, and seductive without being nude. “Well done, Heidi! 👏👏👏👏 [sic],” one person commented.
Another said, “Nice outfit. A third said, “Much better than the curtains of the other one 😜 [sic],” while a fourth described it as “A real wow dress [sic].” Only the breasts wouldn’t have to be pressed like that.
Later that evening, Klum dressed in a peach Elie Saab gown from the brand’s Fall/Winter 2025 couture line for the opening ceremony and the “La Vénus Electrique” screening. The strapless gown had a long, striking train, a sculpted form, a big flower in the middle, and a plunging neckline.
Klum was seen with her dog at the Hotel Martinez the following day. She was dressed in a long black wrap dress with a small amount of her hip showing.
Later that evening, she wore a blush-pink shimmering gown with delicate pink feather accents to a dinner party for Jane and Gong Li.
Then, on May 14, the supermodel was seen wearing a strapless gown adorned with crystals that, from a distance, looked like a mermaid’s tail, along with diamond earrings and iridescent open-toe stilettos.
Let’s now examine further celebrities who made an impression this year:
