Naomi Campbell: A Vision of Fresh Air at Cannes 2025

Naomi Campbell adorned in Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda at the premiere of the film “Fuori” Cannes2025

The 78th Cannes Film Festival, a dazzling showcase of global cinema, once again rolled out its iconic red carpet, drawing the world’s most luminous stars. Amidst the cinematic buzz and the always-evolving fashion landscape, including a newly observed preference for less voluminous or overly revealing gowns one supermodel effortlessly captivated everyone, proving that true style is a force unto itself: Naomi Campbell. Her presence at Cannes 2025 was, without a doubt, a breath of fresh air, a testament to her enduring elegance and innate ability to command attention.

Naomi’s history at Cannes is rich and storied. For decades, she’s graced the French Riviera, delivering unforgettable fashion moments, from audacious feathered creations to sleek, minimalist statements. This year, she arrived with the undisputed authority of a true legend, reminding us all why she remains a pivotal figure in the world of fashion.

Her initial major impact came at the premiere of the film “Fuori,” where she made a grand entrance in a breathtaking gown by Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda. This wasn’t just a dress; it was a masterpiece of design. The ensemble featured an exquisitely crafted bodice in rich gold tones, intricately adorned with delicate lace and shimmering embellishments. The true showstopper, however, was the magnificent, expansive black tulle skirt that flowed around her, creating an aura of regal grandeur. It felt like a sophisticated, yet powerful, response to the festival’s updated guidelines, a subtle declaration that style, in its purest form, transcends all rules.

What truly elevated this moment was Naomi’s unexpected and utterly captivating hair transformation. Gone were her signature sleek, straight locks; instead, she debuted a magnificent, voluminous natural afro. This bold, cloud-like cascade provided the perfect contrast to the gown’s sculptural silhouette, adding a unique blend of attitude and authenticity. Her makeup was radiant and refined, with soft bronze hues on her eyes and a subtle, glossy nude lip, allowing her striking features to shine. This embrace of her natural texture felt particularly impactful, especially after she notably scaled back on other high-profile fashion events, leaving the industry eager for her next move.

For another significant appearance, at the premiere of the acclaimed film “The History of Sound,” Naomi showcased her incredible versatility by opting for a contrasting look: a timeless piece from the archives of Maison Alaïa, specifically from the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa. This gown was a study in pure elegance, perfectly molding to her form and highlighting her iconic silhouette with effortless precision. She accessorized this sophisticated ensemble with exquisite Pasquale Bruni jewelry, adding a touch of subtle sparkle that perfectly balanced the dress’s understated luxury. It was a quieter, yet equally powerful, statement, demonstrating her seamless transition from dramatic royalty to effortlessly chic.

Other Supermodels Gracing the Cannes Red Carpet

Beyond Naomi, the 78th Cannes Film Festival was a dazzling array of supermodel talent, each bringing their distinct flair to the red carpet:

• Elsa Hosk truly embraced fashion history. For the premiere of “The History of Sound,” she revitalized a classic design, appearing in a custom recreation of a mesh knit gown by Thierry Mugler from his Fall 1995 collection, a piece originally worn by Claudia Schiffer. The form-fitting dress featured long sleeves and horizontal stripes, creating a semi-sheer effect, while delicate strings of pearls adorned the high neckline. Her hair was styled in a dramatic updo, featuring elegant curls and a floral accent, complemented by bold brows and smoky eyes. For the premiere of “Vie Privée,” she chose an ethereal, strapless gown by Anastasia Zadorina, featuring delicate feather detailing at the hem, paired with sparkling diamond jewelry from Chopard.

• Barbara Palvin radiated a charming allure at the premiere of “Die, My Love,” donning an off-the-shoulder gown in soft pink satin by Balenciaga. She termed this moment her “princess era,” and indeed, the dress, with its flowing lines, exuded a sophisticated, romantic charm.

• Irina Shayk, a consistent showstopper at Cannes, delivered high-octane glamour. For the premiere of “Dossier 137,” she captivated in a stunning custom gown by Elie Saab, featuring dramatic feather embellishments. This was paired with exquisite fine jewelry from Marli New York. Her sleek, wet-look hair and bold red lips further amplified the dramatic effect. She also showcased a truly vintage piece from Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 1988 haute couture collection—an asymmetric black velvet and silk faille gown that juxtaposed a voluminous skirt with a fitted bodice, embodying a seductive retro vibe.
• Shanina Shaik, renowned for her impeccable taste, often opts for gowns that accentuate her statuesque figure with intricate detailing and luxurious fabrics. While specific designer names for her 2025 looks may vary, she consistently brings a blend of modern sophistication and timeless elegance to the red carpet, often favoring designers known for their intricate embellishments and flattering silhouettes.

• Alex Consani made a bold artistic statement in a couture ensemble by Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring Summer 2025. She wore a striking off-the-shoulder jacket in black textured jersey, intricately embroidered with cords, pompoms, rhinestones, and mini tassels. This was paired with a matching embroidered bra and sleek black liquid satin trousers, completed with black velvet heeled mules. Her look was a fearless and contemporary take on formalwear.
• Cara Delevingne presented two distinct, impactful looks. For the premiere of “The History of Sound,” she sported a striking blood-red, floor-length gown with a balloon skirt, possibly by Miu Miu. This was dramatically complemented by a new jet-black shag haircut with blunt bangs, styled with a wet-look effect, giving her a captivating, almost gothic, allure. Later, for the premiere of “La Venue De L’avenir (Colours Of Time),” she reverted to her blonde, styling her hair in soft, side-parted waves. For this event, she donned a custom black strapless corset column gown by Ashi Studio, featuring elegant ruffled details and a body-grazing skirt. The inclusion of matching sheer opera gloves and a classic diamond choker encrusted with an emerald teardrop elevated this sophisticated ensemble, which she also paired with a matching diamond-emerald finger-ring and tiny stud earrings.
• Frida Aasen brought a more relaxed, yet equally chic, vibe to the red carpet. For the “Alpha” red carpet, she opted for a stylish ensemble by Victoria Beckham, featuring a high-shine top with a wet-look finish, offering a refreshing departure from traditional ballgowns. She also graced the amfAR Gala Cannes 2025 with a beautiful design by Nicolas Jebran.

• Heidi Klum commanded attention at the opening ceremony in a stunning strapless pink gown by Elie Saab, adorned with delicate organza petals. She accessorized with dazzling Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and Jessica Rich heels. Despite the new rules, her gown still managed to make a grand, ethereal statement. At the amfAR Gala, she pushed boundaries in a sheer, intricately beaded gown with a dramatic feathered cape by Yara Shoemaker, showcasing her fearless approach to fashion at an external event.
• Bella Hadid, ever the style chameleon, arrived with a fresh “supermodel blonde” hair color. For the premiere of “Leave One Day,” she evoked classic Hollywood glamour in a black gown by Saint Laurent, featuring a daring thigh-high slit, an open back, and provocative cutouts. She layered Chopard diamond jewelry, including stunning emerald drop earrings, and opted for strappy black-and-silver heels, letting her new hair color shine with a deep side part and sultry makeup.
• Rosie Huntington-Whiteley epitomized timeless sophistication. She was spotted at the Kering Women In Motion Awards and Cannes Film Festival Presidential Dinner, and for the premiere of “Nouvelle Vague,” she captivated in a scarlet gown by Balenciaga, perfectly complemented by exquisite Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
• Liu Wen consistently showcases an understated yet impactful elegance. She is known for her preference for classic silhouettes, often adorned with statement jewelry, collaborating with top luxury houses to achieve her refined aesthetic. While specific designer names for her 2025 Cannes looks may vary, her style remains consistently impeccable.
• Carla Bruni brought her signature effortless French chic to the festival. She attended the premiere of “The Phoenician Scheme” in a custom, one-sleeve asymmetric gown by Roberto Cavalli, crafted from a rich red devoré velvet with a corroded effect, featuring a high slit and a tailored neckline. She completed her look with sleek sandals and a signature clutch adorned with a crystal-studded tiger.

• Stella Maxwell is known for her blend of edgy and glamorous style, often seen in contemporary designs that balance high fashion with a cool, confident attitude. She typically accessorizes with statement jewelry that complements her modern aesthetic.

• Anja Rubik showcased her sophisticated minimalism at the red carpet for “Highest 2 Lowest,” choosing a sleek, sleeveless white satin dress that was both elegant and impactful. She is highly regarded for her refined and often avant-garde fashion choices, typically favoring clean lines and striking accessories.
• Chanel Iman floated onto the red carpet looking like a “luxe Cinderella,” undoubtedly in a flowing, elegant gown, staying true to her graceful and classic aesthetic. She revealed that her preparation for Cannes involves extensive fittings and careful selection of her looks, always aiming for timeless beauty with appropriate jewelry.

• Didi Stone made a striking appearance for the premiere of “The History Of Sound” in a dramatic haute couture gown by Stephane Rolland Spring 2025 Haute Couture, emphasizing sculptural elements and impressive volume. Her accessories typically complement the architectural nature of her gowns.
• Helena Christensen exuded timeless charm and beauty in a stunning dress by Dolce & Gabbana, embodying classic European elegance with her signature grace. Her accessory choices often lean towards delicate yet impactful pieces.
• Isabeli Fontana made a memorable appearance at the opening ceremony red carpet, typically choosing gowns that underscore her powerful presence and statuesque figure, often featuring bold colors or intricate embellishments, paired with glamorous jewelry.
• Coco Rocha brought her flair for the dramatic to the premiere of “The History Of Sound,” sporting a deconstructed mermaid gown by Ionut Razvan, showcasing her unique ability to infuse theatricality into high fashion. Her accessories usually play a role in enhancing the artistic nature of her ensembles.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival was, therefore, not just a celebration of cinematic achievements but also a vibrant testament to the enduring allure and evolving styles of the world’s most prominent supermodels. And at the heart of it all, Naomi Campbell, with her bold hair transformation and impeccable fashion choices, truly was a breath of fresh air, reminding us that an icon doesn’t just follow trends; she sets them, with grace, confidence, and undeniable presence.