Standout red carpet looks at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
(From left) Natalie Portman, Kylie Verzosa and Eva Longoria at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Images: AP
The 78th Cannes Film Festival was a clash of textbook Cannes glamor and rule-breaking allure at the Boulevard de la Croisette in France, as the sudden last-minute update in the dress code challenged the stars to creatively follow rules or — understandably — break free from the standards.
According to an official document, nudity, voluminous outfits “in particular those with a large train” are banned on the red carpet and other parts of the festival, which is a drastic change from the festival’s dramatic red carpet glamor.
“For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival… Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre are not permitted. The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules,” a Cannes document said, per reports.
Despite this, celebrities managed to show up in their “conservative” best on the Croisette throughout the 12-day film festival and win the hearts of fans. As the 78th edition of the film festival is about to close, let us look back at the most captivating looks on the red carpet.
Kylie Verzosa
Kylie Verzosa poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Nouvelle Vague’ at the 78th International Film Festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 17, 2025. Image: Lewis Joly/Invision/AP
Kylie Verzosa was reminiscent of a statue in her Mark Bumgarner number, which was inspired by “summer mornings in the Philippines,” per reports. The butter yellow gown features a corseted bodice with a body-hugging peplum, as well as hand-cut organza petals forming into a flower.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Eddington’ at the 78th International Film Festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 16, 2025. Image: Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP
Natalie Portman solidified her status as a style royalty in a black Dior gown that pays tribute to a 1951 archival 1951 Robe Mexique piece. The elegant number features a bodice covered in silver glitter and tied with a black ribbon, while the skirt is lined with silver scale-like patterns. The breathtaking look was brought together with silver accessories and a berry lip.
Veena Praveenar Singh
Veena Praveenar Singh poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Case 137’ at the 78th International Film Festival, Cannes, southern France, Thursday, May 15, 2025. Image: Lewis Joly/Invision/AP
Veena Singh has yet to vie for the Miss Universe Thailand 2025 crown, but she embodied the aura of a queen in a dramatic ballgown by Michael Cinco during the premiere of the film “Dossier 137.” The breathtaking gown features a plunging neckline, cinched waist, and a voluminous layered skirt.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria poses for photographers during the opening ceremony of the 78th International Film Festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Image: Scott A. Garfitt/Invision/AP
Nudity-inspired outfits might have been banned from the red carpet, but Eva Longoria’s from Tamara Ralph’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection is a strategic way to embody the nude look without breaking the rules. Her metallic gold number at the “Partir Un Jour” screening is noted as one of the standouts, and its armor-like pattern added edge to an elegant look.
Wan Qian Hui
wan qian hui at cannes day 1 wearing wang feng couture pic.twitter.com/oGwmKVRQQu
— roo𐙚 ๋࣭⭑ (@cafewindows) May 13, 2025
Wan Qian Hui might have violated the Cannes dress code in her Wang Feng white gown with cloud-like layers, but it is a spectacular look that catches one’s attention instantly. Completing her look with her hair pulled back, peach lipstick, and silver earrings added the needed embellishments without being too overpowering.
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning poses for photographers upon departure from the premiere of the film ‘Sentimental Value’ at the 78th International Film Festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Image: Lewis Joly/Invision/AP
Elle Fanning was the belle of the “Sentimental Value” premiere in an Armani Privé number with a silvery, aqua hue. The gown is lined with glittery sequins that compliment Fanning’s physique, while the embroidered flowers add another layer of dimension. Bringing the look together was the actress displaying her straight tresses and barely there blush.
Chelsea Manalo
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Chelsea Manalo put all the stops in her Cannes Film Festival debut with a sculpted custom gown by Michael Cinco which is a “true embodiment of grace, strength, and cinematic magic.” The gown’s yellow hue allowed Manalo’s skintone to shine, while its asymmetrical neckline and fan-like collar brought the right drama without breaking the festival’s dress code.
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘The History of Sound’ at the 78th International Film Festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Image: Lewis Joly/Invision/AP
Paying homage to her Indian roots, Aishwarya Rai was a sight to behold in her white saree lined with gold trim and layered red sindoor in what seemed to be her way of denying rumors of ending her marriage with fellow actor Abhishek Bachchan. The former beauty queen has been on the brunt of breakup allegations with Bachchan, but the couple wearing white on different occasions is a style statement that seals their union.
Simone Ashley
Simone Ashley poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘The Mastermind’ at the 78th International Film Festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 23, 2025. Image: Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP
Simone Ashley has always been a standout in celebrity events, and her white Vivienne Westwood corset gown at “The Mastermind” premiere highlighted her regal beauty. The actress was breathtaking in a sculptural gown with wing-like details on the chest and pannier-inspired skirt, complemented by her natural curls and silver drop earrings. /ra
