The Cannes Film Festival is always a dazzling display of style, and this year’s premiere of The History of Sound truly raised the bar.
Celebrities from across the globe gathered on the red carpet to celebrate the launch of this historical queer romance film starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.
With supermodels and stars bringing their A-game, the event was as much about fashion as it was about film.
Naomi Campbell Shines With Timeless Elegance
Leading the pack was none other than Naomi Campbell, who at 54, still commands the spotlight effortlessly.
Naomi turned heads in a stunning cream gown that featured an asymmetrical neckline and flowing layered sleeves, paired perfectly with cream Roger Vivier platform sandals. She accessorized with sparkling jewelry and wore her signature raven hair in a chic half-up, half-down style.
Her makeup was pure glamour, highlighting her timeless beauty as she posed confidently for photographers.
Cara Delevingne Surprises With a Bold New Look
Not to be outdone, model and actress Cara Delevingne made a striking impression with a dramatic change.
Swapping her usual blonde locks for a dark brunette wet-look with fringes, Cara embraced a fresh, edgy vibe.
She wore a flowing rouge gown that gave her a princess-like silhouette and kept accessories minimal, letting her bold smokey eye makeup do all the talking.
Cara’s confident walk and new style made sure all eyes were on her.
Iris Law Stuns in Sleek Black Silk
Iris Law, daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost, brought an elegant, understated touch to the event.
Wearing a black silk slip dress detailed with delicate lace and paired with strapped heels, Iris’s look was effortlessly chic.
She added a subtle sparkle with a dainty jeweled necklace and styled her platinum hair in a trendy choppy bob.
Her modeling poise was evident as she posed for the cameras, showing she’s more than ready to shine on her own.
Gracie Abrams Supports Her Boyfriend Paul Mescal in Style
American singer Gracie Abrams also joined the celebration, showing her support for her boyfriend Paul Mescal, one of the film’s leads.
The couple kept their appearances separate on the red carpet, with Gracie dazzling solo in a simple yet glamorous black gown adorned with sequins on the bodice.
She added height with black heels and draped an elegant black stole over her shoulders, exuding quiet sophistication.
Paul Mescal and Director Oliver Hermanus Represent at Cannes
Paul Mescal looked dapper in an all-black suit, complete with a silk-lapel blazer and a neckerchief, a stylish twist on classic formalwear.
He was accompanied by the film’s director, Oliver Hermanus. Notably absent was co-star Josh O’Connor, who did not appear at the premiere.
A Story of Forbidden Love Set Against the Backdrop of War
The History of Sound is based on a short story by Ben Shattuck and follows the journey of two men, Lionel and David, played by Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, who fall in love while recording the voices and songs of their countrymen during World War I.
The film explores their growing bond as they embark on this emotionally charged project.
Paul Mescal, who is straight, has spoken out about playing a gay character, emphasizing that the story transcends labels: “Performances become offensive when actors focus solely on playing a sexuality.
This story isn’t just about queer love — it’s about love in general.”
More Stars Join to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Cinema
The premiere also welcomed other celebrities like Izabel Goulart and Barbara Palvin, who dazzled in their own stunning ensembles.
Swedish model Elsa Hosk turned heads in a sheer black dress that offered a daring glimpse of her figure.
She paired it with pointed black heels and a peach silk jacket draped casually over her shoulders, finishing her look with a layered pearl choker and an elegant updo.
Cannes Red Carpet Fashion Faces New Nudity Rules
Over recent years, Cannes has gained a reputation for risqué red carpet fashion, sometimes making headlines for barely-there dresses and shocking outfit choices.
This year, however, festival organizers have introduced stricter rules banning nudity on the red carpet and throughout the venue — a move aimed at keeping things more “decent.”
The new policy requires guests to wear suits, dinner jackets, or floor-length gowns, and it bans revealing “naked dresses” that show far more skin than usual.
The festival’s welcoming teams are tasked with enforcing these rules and denying entry to anyone who doesn’t comply.
The Shift Towards a More Conservative Dress Code
This year’s dress code seems to favor classic elegance: think black dresses, cocktail attire, pantsuits, and elegant sandals, with or without heels.
While this is the first time such rules are officially in place, it’s unclear whether broadcasters like France Télévisions influenced the decision to tone down on nudity for TV audiences.
Memorable Red Carpet Moments From Past Festivals
Cannes is no stranger to fashion controversies.
For example, in 2021, Bella Hadid stunned in a plunging black gown, and just last year, she made headlines again for attending a premiere braless beneath a sheer brown dress.
These moments have helped build Cannes’ reputation as a playground for daring fashion statements — though this year, things have shifted toward a more modest approach.