Have some Americans triggered this?

Bella Hadid at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. Photo: Abaca

Admittedly, it is immoderate to blame one people for the decision of an organiser of a film festival, but a recent red carpet event really had us thinking. The Cannes Film Festival has just announced a “nudity” ban on its red carpet for “decency reasons”, as stated in an update to their dress code. The festival organiser has clarified that it did not aim to regulate attire in general, but rather to prohibit full nudity in accordance with the festival’s institutional framework and French law. What they meant by “nudity” and to what extend attendees are allowed to bear skin—a present-day red carpet necessity—remains somewhat unclear.

Some news reports suggest that this decision coincides with a rising trend of celebrities wearing “naked dresses” to high-profile events. A very recent one comes to mind: the Met Gala. And one particular actress is at the top of the list of those celebrities totally enamoured with the naked dress: Halle Berry. Her LaQuan Smith-designed dress shocked the world; it showed a considerable expanse of her public area. And the actress had no qualms about the unsought reveal. This scandalous fashion choice would have undoubtedly been noticed by the Cannes organizer. It is clear that to them that the red carpet is not the nude beach.

Halle Berry at the Met Gala two Mondays ago. Photo: Getty Images

But the Cannes Film Festival decision would come as a blow to, for example, Bella Hadid—a favourite at the event’s red carpet for no apparent reason other than that she is an American model of some repute. Last year at Cannes, she wore a fitting, skin-coloured Saint Laurent dress that was so sheer above the bustline that those with a sense of sight would find it hard to call it coverage. She was, of course, not the only one who loved to reveal her assets, but her near-nudity was particularly erroneous. There is the call for understanding that decency, as with beauty, is constantly being redefined. But to what extent? Until the total shedding of clothes? Or, in the case of Bella Hadid, until the near-exposure of her genitals?

The Cannes ban was issued 24 hours before the festival opens. Some observers are saying it would likely create some level of chaos for the many attendees who have already planned what to wear. The likely reaction is already clear. There would be the condemnation that Cannes has no right to dictate what women can or cannot wear, or police their appearance. The bodily autonomy card will be thrown right at them. This is, unfortunately, the reality that we have to confront: the limit to bodily autonomy, especially in public spaces, is no more. Selfish reasons override potential impact on others and the need for a degree of social convention. Where to draw the line? There is none to mark out.