Cannes 2026 Fashion Highlights: Heidi Klum Stuns, Jane Fonda Looks Timeless, and More Stars Shine — Photos

Cannes is known for its movies, but right now, everyone is talking about the clothes.

The 79th Annual Cannes Film Festival kicked off on May 12, 2026, in France, drawing A-listers and fashion icons to the Palais des Festivals for a week of premieres, galas, and red carpet moments.

But before any celebrity showed off their style, the festival reminded them of some rules. Luckily, that didn't hinder the fashion-forward moments or the surprise announcement from a power couple.

The Dress Code Has Always Been Strict

Cannes has never been a come-as-you-are kind of event. For gala screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, the official rules require evening wear: long dresses, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, or dark-colored pantsuits.

Sneakers are a hard no, and large bags and backpacks are checked into lockers before guests enter. But the dress code has gotten more specific since 2025.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the festival updated its official charter to explicitly ban anyone from coming au naturel. Voluminous outfits with oversized trains that block traffic flow or make seating in the theater difficult are also not allowed.

A festival rep confirmed the update was meant to reflect "certain rules that have long been in effect," and that the goal was "not to regulate attire per se but to prohibit full nudity on the carpet" in line with French law.

The change came after years of increasingly sheer ensembles on the carpet and a handful of memorable stunts.

Sheer gowns have been worn by stars like Elle Fanning, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner over the years, and in 2022, a topless woman was escorted off the carpet after removing her dress in a protest. Security at the Palais has always been strict, and now the rulebook is, too.

What the festival cannot fully control is which major brand ambassadors from partners like Chopard, L'Oréal, and Kering arrive in exactly the kinds of looks the new rules seem designed to discourage.

A Baby on the Way

Before the fashion takes center stage, there's some genuinely exciting news. On May 14, Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin announced they are expecting their first child, making the reveal while attending the festival.

Palvin, 32, wore a light blue dress with cap sleeves flowing into a feathered skirt, and posed with her hand resting under her baby bump. Sprouse, 33, stood beside her in a tuxedo with his arm around his wife.

The couple also shared a more intimate photo on Instagram, showing the actor seated with Palvin perched on the armrest, leaning into him, both still dressed from the event.

Now, about those standout outfits.

Demi Moore: the Festival's Undisputed Fashion Force

Demi Moore is serving on the jury this year, which means multiple red carpet appearances, and she has made every single one count.

On the evening of May 13, the actress, 63, walked the carpet for the "La Vie D'Une Femme" screening in a purple off-the-shoulder Gucci gown that had cameras flashing. The design featured a sweetheart neckline, a high slit, and iridescent fabric that caught the light at every angle.

She finished the look with matching purple pumps, Chopard diamond chandelier earrings, and an oversized sparkling silver ring.

On Facebook, reactions came quickly. One person wrote, "Gift wrap [sic]," while another added, "Love everything but the wet looking hair [sic]."

A third commenter was more complimentary, writing, "Plastic never looked so gorgeous 🔥❤️🔥 [sic]," prompting someone else to reply, "Literally thought the caption said plastic wrapped in couture 😆 [sic]."

Over on Instagram, the response was more straightforwardly admiring. One person wrote, "Looks much better with her arms covered [sic]," another called it, "Beautiful gown. Very flattering," and a third declared, "Best dressed woman in hollywood [sic]."

The purple Gucci moment was her standout, but Moore had already been turning heads before that. On May 12, she attended the jury photocall in a white balloon-cut dress from the Jacquemus Le Palmier collection, covered in red, black, yellow, and blue polka dots, carrying a matching printed bag.

That same evening, for the opening ceremony and "La Vénus Electrique" screening, she stepped onto the carpet in a custom Jacquemus sequined dress with an oversized corset, layered with massive diamond necklaces.

Then on May 14, for the "Fatherland" screening, Moore arrived in a sculptural red gown made of crinkled fabric that resembled wrapping paper.

Jane Fonda and Joan Collins: Two Legends, One Unforgettable Night

On the evening of May 12, two women who have been dressing for red carpets longer than most celebrities have been alive showed up and reminded everyone how it's done.

Jane Fonda wore a long-sleeved black sequined gown that was sleek, classic, and completely commanding.

Meanwhile, Dame Joan Collins attended the opening ceremony and the "La Vénus Electrique" screening in a custom Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture white orchid long gown, paired with black opera gloves, diamond chandelier earrings, and a matching necklace.´

On Facebook, comments about Fonda ranged from adoring to concerned. One person wrote, "Beautiful woman and slim [sic]," while another said, "That dress looks heavy [sic]," and a third shared, "She looks fabulous [sic]."

One fan went further, writing "She does resemble her handsome father Henry Fonda‼️ Look at her in 'Barefoot in the Park,' and so many other films where her beauty shines❤️🌺 [sic]."

On another Facebook reel, the comments took a more candid turn. "This dress is holding her back from breathing [sic]," one person wrote, while another admitted, "Didn't recognize her with this hairstyle... [sic]." A third quipped, "I bet her hip or knee hurts. She has the same step as me! [sic]."

When it came to placing the two women side by side, fans were notably enthusiastic about Collins. "Joan Collins looks more beautiful and glamorous [sic]," one commenter wrote, while another declared, "Joan Collins stole the show !!! [sic]"

A third added, "Joan looks for me much better more natural ❤️ [sic]," and one went further, "Sadly Jane no longer looks the same but who would , but our Joan is still there all be it older , mind you they walk like older ladies, still in heals though amazing 👏 [sic]."

Separately on Facebook, one commenter declared, "Joan Collins was the best [sic]!!!"

Heidi Klum Came to Cannes With More Than One Trick Up Her Sleeve

If anyone came to Cannes with a clear plan to dominate the fashion conversation, it was Heidi Klum. On the very first night, May 12, she wore not one but two looks.

For the Opening Ceremony dinner, the supermodel, 52, arrived in a shimmering gold fringe dress covered in cascading metallic tassels. On Instagram, reactions were split.

One person wrote, "She's gained a little weight & looks fabulous & healthy! 💗 [sic]," while another said flatly, "Looks tacky and too tight [sic]," and a third asked, "Why does she wear clothes too small? Size up [sic]."

Over on Facebook, the fringe dress earned more fans. "Loving her look! Simply gorgeous, curvy, feminine & sexy without being naked. Well done Heidi! 👏👏👏👏 [sic]," one person wrote.

Another noted, "Cool dress. Only the breasts wouldn't have to be pushed like that. [sic]," a third compared it favorably to another look with "Much better than the curtains of the other one 😜 [sic]," and a fourth called it, "A real wow dress [sic]."

Later that same night, for the opening ceremony and the "La Vénus Electrique" screening, Klum changed into a peach Elie Saab gown from the brand's Fall/Winter 2025 couture collection. The strapless dress featured a plunging neckline, a sculpted silhouette, a large flower at the center, and a long, dramatic train.

The next day, Klum was spotted at the Hotel Martinez with her dog, and she wore a long black wrap dress with a little hint of her hip peeking out.

Later that night, she headed to a Jane and Gong Li dinner celebration in a blush-pink shimmering gown with soft pink feather details.

Then, on May 14, the supermodel was spotted in a crystal-studded strapless gown that resembled a mermaid's tail from a distance, paired with iridescent open-toe stilettos and diamond earrings.

Now let's take a look at other stars who stood out this year: