Cannes Film Festival's strict new 'nudity' dress code rule could have major impact

Cannes Film Festival has clamped down on invitees' attire.

The annual festival kicked off yesterday (May 13) and will run until the the 24th of this month.

It's seen as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and celebrities from far and wide flock to the Southern France to attend the star-studded affair.

A series of films are expected to be debuted at Cannes this year including Eddington, a Western horror starring Hollywood greats Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, as well as Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme.

But away from the movies, the red carpet is a hot topic at the festival and this year guests must adhere to a new rule regarding nudity.

Of course no one has actually rocked up to the Cannes Film Festival in their birthday suit, but there have been some pretty risqué ensembles over the years.

One person in particular who has had some daring dresses is supermodel Bella Hadid. Last year, the 28-year-old sported a sheer dress on the red carpet that revealed her nipples.

The infamous Cannes Film Festival starts today (May 13) (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, in 2023 Leila Depina donned a barely-there metal detailed dress that left little to the imagination.

What is the dress code for Cannes Film Festival?

The dress code, as per the official Cannes Film Festival website, states: "For the Grand Théâtre Lumière gala screenings taking place around 7 and 10 p.m., which are attended by the artistic teams, evening wear (long dress, tuxedo) is required. Alternatively, you may also wear 'a little black dress', a cocktail dress, a dark-colored pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants; elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel (no sneakers) ; a black or navy-blue suit with bow-tie or dark-colored tie."

Bella Hadid donned a sheer dress to last year's Cannes Film Festival (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

It continues: "Tote-bags, backpacks or large bags are prohibited during gala screenings. Lockers, open until 12:30 a.m. are available near the Gare Maritime.

"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 theater are not permitted.

The Festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit Red Carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules. For all other screenings, proper attire is sufficient."

The new rules from the festival may come in the wake of that outfit (if you can call it that) worn by Bianca Censori to the Grammys back in February.

For one of music's biggest nights, Censori, who is married to Kanye West, arrived in a large black furry coat, to take off her jacket and reveal a completely see-through dress which she wasn't wearing any underwear underneath.