Cannes Kings: Why Menswear Ruled the Red Carpet at the 78th Cannes Film Festival

For decades, the Cannes Film Festival red carpet has been synonymous with breathtaking haute couture gowns, dazzling jewels, and the unparalleled glamour of leading ladies. Womenswear has undeniably dominated the fashion narrative, often overshadowing the sartorial efforts of their male counterparts. However, the 78th Cannes Film Festival in 2025 painted a different picture, proving unequivocally that menswear was as important as womenswear on the illustrious Croisette. This year, Hollywood’s leading men stepped up their game, delivering unforgettable style moments that showcased innovation, personality, and a newfound appreciation for luxury menswear.

A Shift in the Spotlight: Menswear’s Moment to Shine

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival marked a pivotal moment for men’s fashion. While the classic tuxedo remains a red-carpet staple, male celebrities embraced bolder silhouettes, unexpected textures, and statement-making accessories, injecting fresh energy into traditional formalwear. This evolving landscape of red carpet fashion is a testament to designers pushing boundaries and male stars embracing their personal style with confidence.

The Reign of Bold and Bespoke: Top Menswear Moments

Let’s dive into some of the most captivating Cannes fashion moments delivered by Hollywood’s elite gentlemen:

Alexander Skarsgård: The Unconventional Icon

Alexander Skarsgård, known for his compelling performances, once again proved his daring fashion sensibilities. At the premiere of “The Phoenician Scheme,” he caused a stir by pairing a classic Saint Laurent black tuxedo with thigh-high leather boots from Anthony Vaccarello’s Men’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection. This audacious choice, styled by Harry Lambert, was a clear statement, challenging the traditional tuxedo status quo and cementing Skarsgård’s place as a menswear innovator. His subsequent appearance for “Eagles of the Republic” in blue sequined pants with a grey blazer and pink bow tie (Magliano blazer, Bianca Saunders pants) further emphasized his willingness to take fashion risks.

ASAP Rocky: The Streetwear Savant Turned Sartorial Star

ASAP Rocky, often hailed as a fashion icon, brought his signature blend of luxury streetwear and high fashion to Cannes. At the premiere of his film, Highest 2 Lowest, he graced the red carpet in a sleek Miu Miu suit, effortlessly complementing Rihanna’s vibrant Alaïa dress. Rocky’s evolution from a pioneer of luxury streetwear to a purveyor of sophisticated tailoring is a testament to his innate style and influence, bridging the gap between urban cool and red-carpet elegance. His consistent ability to blend comfort with high-end pieces showcases his refined taste in designer clothes.

Tom Cruise: Timeless Elegance with a Modern Edge

Tom Cruise, a perennial Hollywood legend, showcased his enduring charisma and sharp sartorial taste at the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” He looked impeccably dapper in a tailor-made black three-piece suit, exuding classic Hollywood sophistication. His ability to maintain a timeless yet relevant aesthetic on the red carpet highlights the power of perfectly fitted bespoke tailoring and enduring style.

Leonardo DiCaprio: Refined and Rejuvenated

Leonardo DiCaprio made a highly anticipated appearance, promoting his latest cinematic endeavor. He opted for a classic black tuxedo, radiating timeless Hollywood elegance. While his attire was traditional, the buzz surrounding his noticeably refreshed appearance underscored the impact of a star’s overall presentation on the red carpet, a subtle nod to the importance of overall grooming and style.

Paul Mescal: The Gucci Muse

Paul Mescal, a rising star, consistently delivered impressive looks courtesy of Gucci. For the premiere of “The History of Sound,” he sported a custom double-breasted Gucci tuxedo with a unique black necktie shirt, blending formal with fashion-forward. His consistent choice of Gucci, including a navy Gucci suit at a photocall, solidified his position as a contemporary menswear muse, demonstrating the versatility of modern Italian fashion.

Austin Butler: Old-World Charm Reimagined

Austin Butler, known for his captivating screen presence, channeled old-world charm in a perfectly tailored Saint Laurent tuxedo. His choice underscored the enduring appeal of classic tailoring, executed with a contemporary fit and refined details. Butler’s appearances consistently showcased the elegance and understated power of well-chosen designer suits.

Robert Pattinson: The Dior Darling

Robert Pattinson, a long-standing Dior ambassador, brought his distinct, often experimental, style to the Cannes red carpet. While specific details of his 2025 looks aren’t fully detailed, his past red-carpet appearances, often in bold patterns and unique silhouettes from Dior, suggest he continued to push boundaries within the realm of luxury menswear. His presence further solidified Dior’s strong foothold in the male celebrity fashion space.

Pedro Pascal: Fearless and Fashion-Forward

Pedro Pascal, a true style chameleon, has consistently embraced bold fashion choices, including thigh-high boots from Saint Laurent in recent times. At Cannes 2025, he sauntered in a suave, classic spin on the double-breasted tuxedo and necktie, proving his versatility and ability to blend traditional elegance with unexpected flair. His style evolution demonstrates a fearless approach to menswear trends, solidifying his status as a fashion influencer.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Colman Domingo in Valentino: A Valentino brand ambassador, Domingo impressed at the amfAR gala in an embellished ensemble, further proving his rising status in fashion royalty.

• Josh O’Connor in Prada: O’Connor showcased a unique approach with a brown wool jacket and a light blue shirt, accessorized with a striking poplin floral pin, highlighting Prada’s influence in contemporary menswear.

• Tahar Rahim and Théo Cristine in Louis Vuitton: Both “Friends of the House,” they sported custom Louis Vuitton suits, with Rahim opting for a shirtless iteration of the tuxedo jacket, demonstrating Pharrell Williams’s innovative vision for Louis Vuitton menswear.

• Benedict Cumberbatch in Prada: Even with an injury, Cumberbatch showcased fashion’s utility and aesthetics with a custom Prada sling, proving dedication to style even in unexpected circumstances.

• Jeremy Strong in Lanvin: Strong closed the ceremony in a signature Lanvin blue wool-silk and silk satin ensemble, showcasing the brand’s elegant tailoring.

Womenswear vs. Menswear: A Shifting Dynamic

For years, the fashion and beauty industry has been heavily skewed towards womenswear, with red carpets being the primary showcase for elaborate gowns and dazzling jewelry. This year, however, while women like Natalie Portman in Dior, Alia Bhatt in Gucci, Elle Fanning in Chanel, and Rihanna in Alaïa certainly delivered breathtaking couture moments, the narrative around menswear felt distinctly more prominent.

The contrast between male and female outfits at the 78th Cannes Film Festival highlighted a fascinating shift. While women continued to embrace voluminous silhouettes, intricate embellishments, and vibrant colors, male celebrities demonstrated a growing confidence in experimenting beyond the conventional black-tie dress code. This wasn’t just about adhering to formality; it was about expressing individual style within a sophisticated framework. The emphasis on bespoke suits, unique accessories, and a playful approach to traditional menswear truly elevated the male presence on the red carpet.

The Revenue Game: Which Brands Dominated Cannes 2025?

Beyond the aesthetics, the Cannes Film Festival is a significant platform for luxury fashion brands to generate buzz and, ultimately, revenue. While specific revenue figures are proprietary, we can look at “Earned Media Value” (EMV) to understand brand impact.

According to reports, Gucci emerged as a strong contender in terms of EMV at Cannes 2025, showing a remarkable year-over-year evolution. Other top fashion brands making a significant impact included YSL, Chanel, Dior, and Giambattista Valli. These brands dressed a multitude of stars, both male and female, showcasing their extensive reach and influence in the luxury market. The growing presence of male celebrities wearing high-fashion labels like Gucci, Dior, and Saint Laurent directly contributed to these brands’ overall visibility and market value at the festival.

Why Menswear Was as Important as Womenswear at Cannes 2025

The undeniable truth is that menswear at the 78th Cannes Film Festival was not just an afterthought; it was a powerful statement. Here’s why:

1. Innovation and Risk-Taking: Male celebrities and their stylists pushed the boundaries of traditional black tie. From Alexander Skarsgård’s boots to ASAP Rocky’s Miu Miu suit, these moments generated significant media attention and conversation, driving fashion trends.
2. Personal Expression: More than ever, male stars used their attire to express individuality and personality. This transcended mere adherence to dress codes, signaling a maturation of male celebrity style.
3. Increased Media Focus: Fashion publications and social media gave unprecedented attention to menswear looks, dedicating entire features and analyses to male fashion moments, balancing the scales that historically favored womenswear.
4. Brand Power and Market Growth: As more male celebrities embrace luxury fashion, it directly impacts the menswear market, driving sales and elevating the profile of designer brands. Cannes provided a prime stage for these high-end brands to showcase their latest creations on influential figures.
5. Challenging Gender Norms: The increasingly fluid and expressive nature of menswear on the red carpet contributes to a broader cultural conversation about gender and style, breaking down traditional barriers in the fashion industry.

The Style Evolution of Key Actors

The 78th Cannes Film Festival offered a fantastic opportunity to observe the continuous style evolution of several prominent male actors:

• ASAP Rocky: From his early days as a pioneering luxury streetwear enthusiast, Rocky has matured into a global fashion influencer. His Cannes 2025 Miu Miu look demonstrated a refined elegance, showcasing his ability to effortlessly transition between cutting-edge street style and sophisticated red-carpet glamour. He’s consistently pushing the envelope, making him a true style icon.

• Pedro Pascal: Pascal’s journey from more conventional menswear to his current fearless and experimental approach has been remarkable. His Cannes appearance, blending classic tailoring with hints of his signature bold choices, exemplifies his embrace of a more subversive and exciting style, often incorporating unique textures and unexpected pairings.

• Austin Butler: Butler’s style evolution has gravitated towards a refined, almost vintage Hollywood aesthetic. His perfectly tailored Saint Laurent tuxedo at Cannes 2025 underscored his commitment to classic silhouettes and impeccable fit, demonstrating a timeless elegance that resonates deeply with audiences and luxury fashion buyers.

• Robert Pattinson: Known for his edgy and often avant-garde choices, Pattinson’s style has consistently challenged norms. His association with Dior has allowed him to experiment with more daring cuts, unexpected fabrics, and unconventional accessorizing, making him a fascinating figure in contemporary menswear.

• Alexander Skarsgård: Skarsgård’s style journey has seen him consistently push boundaries. His Cannes 2025 thigh-high boots moment is a culmination of his willingness to defy expectations and embrace unconventional, statement-making pieces, making him a leading figure in avant-garde menswear.

Most Worn Fashion Designers at the 78th Cannes Film Festival

Several fashion houses were exceptionally prominent on the Cannes 2025 red carpet, solidifying their status as go-to designers for the stars:

• Dior: A consistent presence, dressing numerous male and female celebrities, including Paolo Luka Noé, Yu Shi, and Pedro Pascal, as well as Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence. Dior’s blend of classic elegance and modern interpretations made it a clear frontrunner in generating luxury fashion buzz.

• Gucci: With Paul Mescal as a key ambassador, Gucci showcased a strong menswear presence, alongside dressing Alia Bhatt in a dramatic sari. Their increased EMV at Cannes highlights their growing influence in red carpet fashion.

• Saint Laurent: Alexander Skarsgård and Austin Butler’s striking appearances in Saint Laurent tuxedos, particularly Skarsgård’s bold footwear choice, made the brand a significant talking point, showcasing their sharp tailoring and edgy designs.

• Louis Vuitton: Dressing stars like Tahar Rahim, Théo Cristine, Adria Arjona, and Cate Blanchett, Louis Vuitton demonstrated its versatility across both menswear and womenswear, with innovative designs from Pharrell Williams for the men’s collections.

• Prada: Josh O’Connor and Benedict Cumberbatch’s choices highlighted Prada’s refined yet contemporary approach to menswear, emphasizing innovative fabrics and subtle details.

The Future is Stylishly Male: Menswear’s Continued Ascent

The 78th Cannes Film Festival has definitively shown that menswear is no longer a secondary thought on the red carpet. The innovation, individuality, and sheer style exhibited by male celebrities have proven that their fashion choices are just as impactful, just as buzz-worthy, and just as important for the luxury fashion industry as their female counterparts. As we look towards Cannes Film Festival 2025 and beyond, expect the menswear moments to continue to evolve, becoming increasingly dynamic, experimental, and, without a doubt, central to the overall Cannes fashion narrative. The red carpet has truly become a balanced stage for all forms of high fashion.

All Images from Instagram