Bella Hadid’s striking fashion choices at the Cannes Film Festival have often garnered significant attention, but her 2024 appearance has sparked a notable shift in the festival’s dress code. Sources indicate that her daring outfit, a sheer light brown dress which left little to the imagination, has been highlighted as an example of what attendees should avoid in future events. This decision comes in the wake of new guidelines introduced just days before the festival commenced, aimed at ensuring a level of decency on the prestigious red carpet.

The newly implemented rules explicitly prohibit nudity, reflecting a growing discomfort with the trend of ‘naked dresses’ that have become increasingly prevalent among celebrity attendees. According to a report from The Sun, a memo circulated among chauffeurs outlined the expected dress standards, clearly indicating that Hadid’s previous outfit contradicted these guidelines. The intention behind these changes is not to suppress individual expression but to prevent appearances that might be perceived as overly provocative.

Interestingly, this year’s festival saw Hadid adopting a more subdued look, swapping her sheer attire for an elegant black gown featuring a thigh-high split during the premiere of “Leave One Day.” Yet, she maintained her penchant for allure by opting for a braless style that revealed a hint of side-boob. Over recent years, the red carpet event has arguably shifted focus from cinematic highlights to the fashion statements made by its stars.

The updated guidelines represent a significant cultural shift within the festival, which has historically prided itself on glamour and spectacle. A detailed document from the Cannes Festival emphasises that, “nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as any other area of the festival,” signalling a commitment to more conservative attire. The organisers’ decision comes amid observations that recent festivals attracted more influencers and models than traditional filmmakers and actors, further blurring lines between fashion and cinema.

The Cannes Film Festival’s new approach has been embraced by some attendees. Notably, Halle Berry recently adjusted her planned outfit in response to these changes, expressing her understanding of the need for such restrictions. According to reports, the updated dress code also includes guidelines against voluminous outfits, aiming to standardise the looks that grace the red carpet. This move may have been influenced by French broadcasters, who wish to avoid airing outfits that may be considered indecent.

Overall, the Cannes Film Festival finds itself navigating a delicate balance between maintaining its glamorous tradition and adapting to changing societal norms regarding decency and fashion. The shift in dress code, while controversial, seems poised to redefine red carpet standards, reflecting broader cultural conversations surrounding nudity and personal expression in fashion.

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Source: Noah Wire Services