Halle Berry showed up to Cannes 2025 ready to break some rules. Earlier in the week, she swapped outfits to follow the festival’s last-minute dress code update.
But at the Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning premiere, she changed course. She wore a dramatic black-and-pink gown by Celia Kritharioti, complete with a voluminous skirt and trailing train. Exactly what Cannes said not to wear.
From sleek and safe to full-glam
Embed from Getty ImagesBerry kicked off the festival in a black-and-white Jacquemus look—structured, minimalist, and fully within the guidelines. Her original Day 1 dress, a sculptural piece by Gaurav Gupta, had to be swapped out at the last minute because of its oversized train. The rule? No long trains or exaggerated volume on the carpet.
Embed from Getty ImagesBy midweek, the vibe clearly shifted. The jury member ditched the “quiet luxury” starter pack and delivered a look that felt more Met Gala than dress code memo.
The Celia Kritharioti gown made a bold entrance with its high-low silhouette and dramatic volume—more runway than red tape. No delays, no drama, no one turning her away. Cannes may have dropped the rules, but Berry dropped the look.
The rules may bend, but the impact sticks
Embed from Getty ImagesEven if the look tested the limits, it landed. The gown was high-fashion fantasy with a twist, and in a sea of safe choices, it stood out. No over-accessorizing, no distractions—just sharp styling and a well-played power move.
In a festival season where fashion politics and last-minute restrictions were stealing the spotlight, Berry reminded everyone why the red carpet still matters.
It’s not about following every rule—it’s about knowing when to break them. Fashion history is full of these moments (Rihanna’s omelet dress, Zendaya’s armor), and now Berry’s Cannes train joins the ranks.
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