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The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is underway, but not without its fair share of controversy. Just 24 hours before the event kicked off on May 12, a new set of wardrobe restrictions took effect: Sheer dresses and elaborate ensembles, particularly those with a large train, were officially banned from the festival for “decency reasons,” per the official charter. The news of the sudden implementation (rightfully) received backlash from fans and A-listers’ teams, and in the words of stylist Maeve Reilly, the mandates are a “disappointment.”
So, what’s a Cannes regular to do? For many celebs, they’ve decided to descend the red carpet in — what else? — all-black glamour. A way to mourn the death of fun, frivolous fashion, perhaps. Cannes staple Bella Hadid skipped the Met Gala but stepped into Cannes in a black Saint Laurent dress, while Julia Garner opted for a charcoal sequin Gucci gown. Zoe Saldaña, Gabbriette, and Halle Berry have all followed suit. While there won’t be any naked gowns or extravagant looks in the festival’s near future (save from a few rule-breakers), each day of Cannes, which is running until May 24, has looked more like a funeral procession or business meeting — though a chic one at that. See our roundup of best-dressed celebrities who chose to go back to black at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, with updates to come.
Halle Berry
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Halle Berry was one of many stars who traded her original Cannes outfit for an all-new ensemble. Instead of a Gurav Gupta gown, the actor pivoted to a tweed Chanel set and then, a black-and-white striped Jacquemus gown fearing she’d “break the rules.” The following day, she attended the Mission Impossible –The Final Reckoning premiere in a black Celia Kritharioti couture ensemble, with a bubbly pink gingham skirt, and Aquazzura heels.
Angela Bassett
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Angela Bassett attended the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning premiere in a tight-fitting black dress from Burberry with a dramatic navy and black fringe at the sleeves and skirt. The actor completed her look with a rhinestone-crusted popcorn-shaped clutch.
Zoe Saldaña
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Oscar-winner Zoe Saldaña also walked the Mission: Impossible –The Final Reckoning red carpet in a scoop-neck Saint Laurent black dress. She paired that elegance with a leather jacket draped over her arms and strappy heels.
Bella Hadid
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Newly-blonde Bella Hadid stepped out on the May 13 premiere of Partir Un Jour in a custom Saint Laurent number by Anthony Vaccarello: a black satin gown adorned with cross-back straps and a leg-baring slit. The supermodel paired her look with rhinestone-adorned heels and chunky emerald earrings.
Julia Garner
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Julia Garner made her second Cannes appearance for the Partir Un Jour premiere on May 13. For the occasion, the actor landed on a draped dress by Gucci. A layer of nude-colored fabric underneath and sequins marked this look safe from the see-through of it all.
Gabbriette
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Gabbriette made her Cannes Film Festival debut at the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning premiere on May 14. There, she wore a strapless leather gown styled by Skullsqwat, and finished her look with silver Chrome Hearts accessories.
Irina Shayk
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Model Irina Shayk channeled dark mermaid in this custom embellished ensemble she wore at the Dossier 137 premiere on May 15. The stunning look by Elie Saab featured ruffles galore, and she paired it with coordinating sheer gloves.
