What's banned on the red carpet
Page Six • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Cannes Film Festival 2026 has reinstated a strict dress code banning sheer gowns, extravagant trains, and bare skin on the Red Carpet and other festival areas for decency and logistical reasons.
- Voluminous outfits with large trains, sneakers, tote bags, backpacks, and oversized purses are also prohibited at gala screenings to ensure smooth guest flow and seating.
- Evening wear such as long dresses or tuxedos is required for Grand Théâtre Lumière gala events, while cocktail dresses, dark pantsuits, or dressy tops with black pants are acceptable for other screenings.
- The dress code, first enforced in 2025, has sparked controversy among celebrities, with notable incidents including Halle Berry having to change outfits due to train length and Heidi Klum defying the rules with a dramatic gown.
- The festival has a history of fashion regulations, including a past ban on flats, but recent updates now allow elegant shoes and sandals with or without heels, reflecting some concessions after previous backlash.