Halle Berry reveals why she ditched her Gaurav Gupta gown at Cannes 2025

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival kicked off with its signature glamour and global cinematic celebration on May 13 at the iconic French Riviera. Among the A-list names gracing the prestigious red carpet was Academy Award-winning actress and this year’s jury member, Halle Berry.While fans eagerly awaited her appearance in a show-stopping couture piece by celebrated Indian designer Gaurav Gupta, the actress made headlines for an entirely different reason, she didn’t wear it.So what happened?Speaking at the official jury press conference, Halle Berry revealed that she was forced to ditch her original red carpet outfit due to newly introduced rules in Cannes' official dress code. “I had an amazing dress by [Gaurav] Gupta to wear tonight, and I cannot wear it because the train’s too big,” she said, confirming what fashion insiders had begun to whisper hours before the event began.The actress added with a smile, “I had to make a pivot. But the nudity part, I do think, is probably also a good rule,” referring to the updated Cannes dress code regulations that now prohibit both nudity and overly voluminous outfits.Gaurav Gupta, known for his sculptural silhouettes and avant-garde designs, has dressed international stars including Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. Berry wearing one of his creations would have marked a significant moment for Indian fashion on the global stage, especially at an event as revered as Cannes. Unfortunately, her ensemble’s dramatic train violated the red carpet’s new logistical guidelines.Instead, the X-Men and Monster’s Ball star chose a more understated yet elegant look: a sleek black-and-white halter-neck gown by French label Jacquemus. The minimalist outfit was paired with a simple black clutch and subtle accessories, showcasing Halle’s ability to pivot with grace no pun intended and still make a statement.The Cannes Film Festival recently updated its red carpet guidelines, citing safety and crowd management as key factors. According to the official FAQ, “Nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.” It further outlines that “voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre, are not permitted.”Even footwear has its rules, with guests encouraged to wear “elegant shoes and sandals, with or without a heel.”The organisers have made it clear: breaking the dress code could mean being denied access to the red carpet, regardless of celebrity status.While fashion lovers may mourn the missed moment of seeing Halle Berry in a Gaurav Gupta original, her poised response and elegant pivot prove that sometimes, the story behind the dress is as compelling as the dress itself.