At almost every major event, whether it’s the Oscars or the Met Gala, there is a dress code that imposes certain rules on the stars. However, at the Cannes Film Festival, these rules are said to be particularly strict. For some stars, this is a reason not to adhere to them.
The fact that celebrities look nearly perfect on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival is no coincidence. The event enforces a strict dress code. But not every star follows the elaborate rules set by the French organizers. One particular rule that often meets with resistance from the prominent ladies is the requirement to always pair their stunning gowns with high heels. Here are the stars who have defied this rule in the past and the message behind their actions.
Kristen Stewart: High Heels as Rebellion
The topic of high heels has sparked considerable debate in the past. The issue really heated up in 2015 when women wearing flat shoes for health reasons were denied entry to a movie premiere. Many, including numerous actresses, found this unacceptable, among them Kristen Stewart, 34. In 2016, she commented on the scandal, calling the high-heel mandate a sexist tradition that needs to be abolished.
In 2018, Kristen Stewart used the famous steps to the film theater for a protest to underscore her demands from 2016. The actress initially appeared on the red carpet in high heels as required but soon after took them off and carried them in her hands. Insiders even suggest that she later swapped her heels for comfortable sneakers, an absolute no-go in Cannes. What turned out to be a disaster for the organizers was celebrated online. Stewart’s action is still considered a feminist breakthrough on Twitter and other platforms.
Julia Roberts: Making a Statement Barefoot
Stewart wasn’t the first to come up with this idea. She was inspired by actress Julia Roberts, 56, who did the same at the “Money Monster” premiere in 2016. Roberts appeared in high heels but took them off on the red carpet steps. She visibly lifted her Armani Privé gown to repeatedly reveal her bare feet.
Jennifer Lawrence: In Flip-Flops on the Cannes Red Carpet
The actions of Kristen Stewart and Julia Roberts had an impact. The Cannes Film Festival committee adjusted the rule regarding the footwear of female participants. High heels are still preferred, but flat shoes are now allowed. However, sneakers are still not welcome on the red carpet. Actress Jennifer Lawrence, 33, pushed this rule to its limits in 2023. She paired her elegant red Dior gown with black flip-flops, causing quite a scandal. Later, she admitted on the talk show “Entertainment Tonight” that she didn’t intend to make a political statement with her appearance. Her shoes were simply too big, and she was afraid of tripping on the famous festival steps.
