Bob Mackie, considered the father of the naked dress trend, has weighed in on the controversial Cannes Film Festival dress code update. The new festival rules prohibit guests from showing nudity or wearing voluminous outfits on the red carpet, a decision that has divided fashion enthusiasts.
“I agree with the Cannes Film Festival because the trend of naked dressing has truly spiraled out of control. What we see today is complete nudity,” Mackie told WWD via email.
Mackie was one of the first designers to create sheer, see-through designs for celebrities. He notably dressed Cher in a beaded and feathered naked dress for the 1974 Met Gala. His bold designs have inspired many celebrities and stylists over the decades and were the theme of the 2024 documentary “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion.”
“My documentary, ’Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion’ explores the essence of these dresses, which was to create the illusion of nudity. That concept has sadly been lost,” the designer said.
Cher and Bob Mackie at the Met Gala in 1978.
Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Naked dressing has seen a resurgence on the runways and red carpets in the past two decades, with celebrities constantly pushing the boundaries with their looks. In 2014, Rihanna made headlines at the CFDA ceremony with her crystal gown created by Adam Selman. Florence Pugh, Madison Beer, Emma Corin and other stars have also embraced the trend with daring outfits in recent years. At the Cannes Film Festival, Bella Hadid turned heads with her sheer Saint Laurent dress in 2024.
The festival announced the new dress code in April. “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the Festival,” the statement published by the Cannes Film Festival says.
Bella Hadid at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.
Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Im
Celebrity stylist Karla Welch, who works with Olivia Wilde, Anna Sawai and Gal Gadot, among others, reacted to the news, calling the Cannes decision “boring and patriarchal and lame” via her Instagram on May 12.
Nancy Deihl, a historian of fashion and chair of the Department of Art and Art Professions at NYU, told WWD the Cannes dress code can be seen as an effort to curb excessive displays and emphasize elegance. “I feel the Cannes officials are really focused on setting the event apart from every other celebrity-focused spectacle, even if it makes them seem a bit dictatorial,” Deihl said.
Although the ban on nudity and naked dressing is in full swing, some celebrities have still embraced sheer fabrics on the festival red carpet, including Stella Maxwell and Kristen Stewart. See their looks in the gallery below.