Time stood still in Cannes when, during the spring bloom of 2003, a famous singer delicately let her purple silk stole fall down her forearms on the esplanade of the Palais des Congrès. The day after her ‘Golden Ambition’ tour. The ‘doctrine of the Diva’ has been repeated on numerous occasions since, notably the previous year, when a certain Bella, bust unveiled in a chiffon creation on the red carpet, caused a sensation. A way of honouring the female figure, or an offence against decency, depending on your point of view, but the Cannes Film Festival has just put an end to it.

In an update to its official dress code, the institution has added a clause on the subject. ‘For reasons of propriety, bodily exhibition is forbidden on the red carpet’, it reads, after specifying the colour of trousers allowed (ebony) and the length of dresses (long, unless it’s a little dark dress).

This new addition also tempers the ardour of those who would bet on ostentation to ensure themselves a moment of fame. ‘Clothes, in particular loose-fitting trains, whose volume hinders the smooth flow of guests and makes sitting in the room more difficult, are no longer permitted’ warns the organisation.

In 2017, a ‘flat-shoe controversy’ prompted the Nice Festival to clarify its definition of appropriate attire for the ascent of the evening steps, after a group of women wearing heel-less shoes were refused access. The uproar, deemed unfounded by the festival’s general delegate who denied any ban, inspired Sophie Marceau to go barefoot the following year.

The fact remains, however, that strict rules are in place to preserve the solemnity of the fortnight, which is sometimes disrupted by touches of vulgarity from Lupa girls. On another note, ‘canvas bags, rucksacks or large shopping bags’ are now banned from gala screenings. Guests so burdened are asked to go to the designated lockers. The aim is to ensure that the prestigious reputation of the ascent doesn’t end up as an inconvenience, and that the Kardashians’ rings don’t magically disappear.