Kapanlagi.com - Chinese actress Zhao Yingzi became the center of attention at the 78th Cannes Film Festival not for her film or acting achievements, but for the outfit she wore. She was asked to leave the red carpet area after being considered to violate the new dress code implemented by the festival organizers. This incident occurred during the opening event on May 14, 2025.
Zhao wore a futuristic outfit that was full of sparkle and dominated by silver. The top of the dress was a thin corset adorned with crystals and imitation diamonds, arranged symmetrically to create an effect like luxurious jewelry attached to her body. Although it appeared to be open at first glance, the design actually used transparent fabric as a base layer. The illusion of nudity created seems to be the main reason why this outfit was considered too daring for Cannes standards this year.
The lower part of her dress was equally striking, with a high-slit skirt made from mesh or lightweight metallic fabric embellished with sequins. This sparkling accent blended perfectly with the red carpet lighting, making Zhao look stunning and hard to ignore. She completed her look with a metallic hooded cape that draped elegantly over her shoulders. This appearance combined classic glamorous elements with a contemporary touch, yet was still deemed inappropriate according to the dress code aimed at maintaining the "dignity" of the festival as a whole.
1. Allegedly Exceeding Time, Zhao Yingzi Considered to Disrupt the Event's Progress
Speculation arose that the reason Zhao was asked to leave the red carpet was not just about her outfit, but also because she was considered to have stayed there too long. According to netizens on Weibo, Zhao posed for too long, hindering the tight schedule of the event.
Some reports mentioned that Zhao's repeated stops to pose caused disruptions for photographers and other celebrities who were set to appear. This allegation sparked public debate about whether her actions warranted strict treatment from the organizers.
2. Original Dress Stained with Coffee, Zhao Changes Outfit at the Last Minute

(credit: weibo)
Before appearing on the red carpet, Zhao Yingzi shared an unexpected moment on her social media. She posted a photo of her original dress stained with coffee and asked her followers for advice on how to clean it.
Due to the incident, Zhao was reported to have to change her outfit suddenly. This sudden change likely made her appear in a more eye-catching alternative outfit that did not comply with the strict rules of Cannes, ultimately sparking controversy.
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3. Zhao Yingzi's Shining Career Through Drama and Music

(credit: weibo)
Zhao Yingzi is widely known for her roles in various popular dramas such as THE LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES and THE HEAVENLY SWORD AND DRAGON SABRE. She also starred in hit series like YOU ARE MY GLORY and THE GREAT MING DYNASTY, which solidified her name in the Asian entertainment world.
In addition to acting, Zhao is also pursuing a singing career. She has released several songs and contributed to the soundtracks of the dramas she starred in, including songs like SWEET BURDEN and SLOWLY WILL BE FINE. Her versatile talent has made the incident at Cannes even more attention-grabbing.
4. New Cannes Rules Tighten Dress Code for Participants

(credit: instagram.com/bellahadid)
This year, the Cannes Film Festival introduced stricter dress codes than ever before. Since May 12, the organizers announced that open or 'too flashy' appearances are prohibited in all areas of the festival, not just on the red carpet.
This warning has led many celebrities to dress more conservatively compared to previous years. Even Bella Hadid, who usually appears boldly, opted for a sleek black gown from Saint Laurent that was more covered up at the festival's opening. This shows that the committee is truly serious about enforcing their new rules.
(kpl/ute)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.