Diego Céspedes, Laura Wandel, Park Chan-wook, Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Isaach de Bankolé, and Ruth Negga | Source: Getty Images
Bold silhouettes, stunning haute couture outfits, and a rebellion against traditional dress codes turned the famous steps of the French Riviera into a true fashion show.
The opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival is always synonymous with glamour, but this year’s red carpet brought a fair share of surprises. Stars like Jane Fonda and Demi Moore opted for classic elegance, while others, such as Heidi Klum and Kelly Rutherford, pushed boundaries in a way that instantly generated buzz.
With Cannes tightening its rules regarding sheer clothing and oversized gowns, every outfit at the event seemed to create a bit more tension. Here are the five celebrity looks that completely stole the show at Cannes.
Kelly Rutherford Defies the Rules in a Sheer Armani Gown
One of the most talked-about arrivals of the evening was Kelly Rutherford, who appeared completely unfazed by Cannes’ controversial new dress code restrictions. The “Gossip Girl” actress wore a sparkling sheer black gown by Giorgio Armani that left little to the imagination regarding her underwear.
The sleek design glittered under the red carpet lights and quickly became a hot topic, especially since Cannes has officially prohibited “naked” or sheer outfits for “decency reasons.” These rules, introduced in 2025, also give festival staff the authority to deny access to anyone violating this policy.
Nonetheless, Rutherford seemed at ease striking poses in her daring outfit. The 57-year-old actress styled her hair in a neat bun and wore pointed black heels.
Accessories completed her ensemble beautifully. Rutherford adorned herself with a stunning diamond necklace featuring pale blue stones and sparkling diamond earrings. She attended the opening ceremony and the screening of “The Electric Venus,” but her outfit quickly became one of the festival’s main talking points.
Online, some defended Rutherford, arguing her outfit wasn’t the most daring on the red carpet. One commenter stated, “With all due respect, she looks great. She’s not wearing a thong or a bodysuit, and there’s no overflow from her thighs. This isn’t the worst I’ve seen.”
Another commentator questioned the choice of the dress overall, saying, “I’m 50 years old and I wouldn’t wear a sheer gown. I’m sure she had a million options; this wasn’t the right one!” A fan added, “She looks lovely, but the dress is too harsh for her.”
One reaction focused on the stylistic details. An internet user remarked, “It would be better if the lining were a single solid color. It detracts from the dress, which I actually like. The underwear and dress compete for attention.” Others took a harsher stance on the outfit, with one saying, “No sense of propriety.”
Jane Fonda Showcases Timeless Hollywood Glamour
While some stars opted for shock value, Fonda reminded everyone that classic elegance always prevails at Cannes. The Oscar-winning actress made her first public appearance since the death of her ex-husband Ted Turner, doing so in unforgettable style.
Fonda took to the red carpet in a shimmering, long-sleeve black Gucci dress accompanied by Pomellato jewelry. This look combined sophistication with a subtle shine, proving once again why she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected fashion icons.
She posed alongside Demi Moore before taking the stage with actress Gong Li to officially inaugurate the festival. Yet it wasn’t just her dress that drew attention. During the ceremony, Jane Fonda delivered a passionate speech about storytelling and creativity.
“I believe film has always been an act of resistance because we tell stories, and those stories shape a civilization,” she stated on stage. “Stories that elicit empathy for the marginalized; stories that allow us to feel beyond our differences. Stories that show us another future is possible.”
This emotionally charged moment added greater weight to her appearance. Fonda was praised for her glamorous look, although some fans noted that she had resorted to cosmetic surgery. One commenter said, “I love the dress and necklace, but she has clearly gone a bit too far recently with cosmetic procedures.”
Another admirer was brief and complementary, simply writing, “Glamour in the true sense of the word.” Yet another commenter was impressed by her appearance given her age, stating, “Absolutely stunning despite the years 💕💕.”
Joan Collins Proves Glamour Knows No Age Limit
At 92, Joan Collins still knows how to make a statement on the red carpet. The legendary actress dazzled in a stunning orchid-inspired gown by Stéphane Rolland Couture that seemed straight out of a fashion dream.
This sculptural white dress showcased dramatic petal-like ruffles framing her neckline, creating an immediately theatrical effect. The fitted silhouette flowed elegantly to the floor, enhancing Joan Collins’s poise.
Every detail of her look seemed meticulously planned. She complemented her dress with classic black opera gloves, a dazzling diamond necklace, and matching chandelier earrings. Her makeup completed the glamorous look with delicate eyes, rosy cheeks, and a vibrant pink lip. The result was pure old-school Cannes magic.
Collins garnered admiration online, with one fan marveling at her youthful appearance, writing, “Amazing – how can one be so beautiful at 92?” Another admirer praised her style and poise, saying, “She is still beautiful and radiant. And the dress fits her perfectly, she’s so lovely. Well done 🥰🥰🥰.”
Some followers were surprised to see her without her signature wig, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen her without a wig… She looks stunning 🌹.” Another reaction succinctly captured this sentiment: “At 92, she’s never been more beautiful!!”
Heidi Klum Turns Heads in a Whimsical Elie Saab Dress
Klum fully embraced whimsical fashion with one of the most striking gowns of the evening. The model and TV personality attended the premiere of “The Electric Venus” in a stunning, strapless peach creation by Elie Saab merging structure with softness.
The dress featured a structured bodice with a plunging neckline, a cinched waist, and highlighted hips, creating a spectacular proportion. The fitted column silhouette provided a streamlined base, but the real surprise lay in the back design.
The flowing fabric cascaded behind Klum, adding movement and a softer contrast to the architectural cut. Then came the floral details. A large rose appliqué adorned the neckline, overflowing with layered petals accented by yellow tones at the center.
Touches of lilac and speckled green added even more whimsy to the outfit. It was romantic, theatrical, and impossible to overlook. The actress has never shied away from bold fashion choices, and this gown seemed tailor-made for Cannes’s extravagant glamour.
Many comments focused on the cut and shape of Klum’s dress. One critic bluntly stated, “It does absolutely nothing for her silhouette, and the color is awful.” Another user remarked, “She’s so beautiful, but her stylist makes bad clothing choices.”
One commenter questioned the silhouette, asking, “Why would she wear a dress that broadens her hips? She still looks magnificent.” Some reactions pointed out how the dress altered her proportions, with one asking, “Why does this dress make her look huge?” Another added, “She seems to have gained some weight.”
Others speculated on her look, including someone who said, “She has gained weight 👀.” Another fan thought it was the dress causing the issue rather than Heidi’s overall appearance, saying, “The dress is weird. Actually, she’s lovely – the face, the hair – but the dress… meh.”
Demi Moore Looks Like a Modern-Day Princess
If any celebrity truly embodied luxury from head to toe, it was undoubtedly Demi Moore. As a jury member this year, Moore arrived at the opening ceremony in a custom-made, sequined Jacquemus gown.
The dress featured a peplum waist and elegant inserts that extended into a mermaid-shaped skirt, giving the overall look a majestic silhouette. Under the camera flashes, the shimmering fabric appeared almost liquid.
Moore completed her ensemble with breathtaking Chopard jewelry, including a stunning five-strand diamond necklace, matching floral earrings, and sparkling rings, radiating an air of Cannes royalty.
However, Moore also took the opportunity to express her thoughts on **creativity and artistic freedom.** When asked about the relationship between art and politics at the festival, she stated, “I think part of art is expression. So, if we start self-censoring, I think we stifle the very heart of our creativity, which is, to me, where we can find truth and answers.”
Demi Moore’s appearance drew mixed reactions online, particularly regarding her very slender physique. One commenter remarked, “Those arms are from Ozempic.” Another user focused on her look and suggested, “Her arms!!! Someone get her a protein shake, a steak, or something.”
Despite criticisms, some fans praised her outfit while expressing concern for her weight. One admirer wrote, “An absolutely gorgeous and glamorous dress. But Demi needs to gain some weight. Don’t let Hollywood ruin your health.” Another response emphasized her overall elegance: “Demi is stunning, and her diamonds are fabulous 💕.”
Every year, Cannes promises unforgettable fashion moments. But this year’s opening ceremony seemed particularly charged with the festival’s stricter rules and the growing debate about celebrity self-expression.
Some stars played it safe. Others, clearly, did not. From Rutherford’s sheer Armani rebellion to Collins’s sculptural couture moment, the red carpet became more than just a showcase of fashion. It transformed into a statement about personality, self-confidence, and individuality. And based on the opening night, Cannes 2026 is just getting started.
