Cannes 2025: Red Carpet Glamour with a Modern Twist

The curtain has officially closed on the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, but if you’re anything like us at Vogue, you’re still reveling in the glittering trail of glamour left along the Croisette. This year’s festival brought not only world-class cinema but also a sartorial spectacle that reminded us why Cannes continues to reign as one of the fashion world’s most thrilling stages.

Year after year, Cannes serves as a high-octane collision of film, fame, and fashion. It’s the place where red carpet rules are both honored and rewritten—and 2025 proved no exception. While the hallmarks of classic Cannes style were certainly present—think sweeping gowns, sharp tuxedos, and plenty of diamonds—this year’s style statements leaned confidently into the now, with modern silhouettes, bold experimentation, and an invigorating sense of personality.

Modern Elegance Meets Red Carpet Tradition

Traditionally, Cannes is synonymous with old-Hollywood elegance. And while there were plenty of timeless looks to admire—flowing trains, dramatic draping, and monochrome palettes—designers and celebrities alike weren’t content to rest on the laurels of vintage glamour. Instead, they infused that classic spirit with a fresh, contemporary verve.

From sleek tailoring with unexpected flourishes to gowns that shimmered like liquid metal under the flashbulbs, the fashion at Cannes 2025 walked the line between homage and innovation. It was a celebration of heritage, yes, but also a testament to the freedom of self-expression that fashion allows today.

Unexpected Twists That Stole the Spotlight

One of the most refreshing surprises of the festival? The embrace of the unconventional. While Cannes often invites formality, this year’s red carpet saw a surge of daring choices that redefined what “red carpet ready” really means.

Some stars opted for sculptural couture that defied symmetry and structure—gowns that felt more like wearable art than mere clothing. Others subverted expectations with color: lemon yellows, electric blues, and even shades of green brought vibrancy to the carpet and reflected the boldness of the films being celebrated.

And let’s not forget menswear. The days of cookie-cutter black tuxedos are long gone. This year, male attendees brought as much flair and individuality as their female counterparts. Think embellished jackets, sheer shirts, and unexpected cuts that blended high fashion with a touch of rebellion.

A Celebration of Craft and Culture

Another standout element this year was the global influence radiating from every look. Designers from all corners of the world were represented, and many celebrities made conscious choices to highlight cultural craftsmanship. Embroidered motifs, hand-painted fabrics, and heritage techniques were on full display, reminding everyone that behind every breathtaking look lies hours—often months—of meticulous artistry.

This nod to global fashion also reinforced Cannes’ growing role as an international runway, where diversity in both film and fashion is not only welcomed but celebrated.

Beauty Looks That Completed the Fantasy

Of course, what would Cannes be without its head-turning beauty looks? This year, the hair and makeup artistry was every bit as bold and dynamic as the outfits. We saw slicked-back buns and gravity-defying ponytails, vivid eyeshadows that matched gowns, and red lips that harked back to silver-screen sirens of the past. The message was clear: beauty at Cannes is an extension of style, a finishing touch that completes the fantasy.

The Power of Personal Style

Perhaps the most striking takeaway from this year’s red carpet, though, was the emphasis on individuality. While Cannes is known for its grandeur, 2025 reminded us that the most memorable moments are those rooted in authenticity. Whether stars embraced avant-garde couture or simple elegance, what made each look unforgettable was the sense of confidence and personal storytelling behind it.

In many ways, this mirrors the broader shift happening in fashion: away from formulaic trends and toward personal expression. At Cannes this year, it wasn’t just about what people wore—it was about how they wore it, and what those choices revealed about who they are.

Looking Ahead

As the lights dim on the Palais and the last of the red carpet is rolled away, one thing is certain: Cannes 2025 delivered a fashion showcase that was as compelling as the films it celebrated. It was a festival where tradition met innovation, and where the spotlight was shared between established icons and rising stars—both on screen and on the red carpet.

If this year’s event is any indication, the future of fashion at Cannes is as bright and dynamic as ever. Expect the unexpected, embrace the bold, and above all, stay true to your story. That, it seems, is the new dress code on the Croisette.