Cannes dress code challenged as Kristen Stewart steps out in sneakers

Quentin Dupieux’s ‘Full Phil’ premiered at Cannes with a standing ovation despite mixed early critical response

Kristen Stewart drew significant attention at the Cannes Film Festival after appearing to challenge the event’s strict red carpet dress code, which has recently included a reinforced stance on formal footwear. Despite guidelines discouraging casual shoes, Stewart incorporated sneakers into two separate looks during events linked to her latest film Full Phil, directed by Quentin Dupieux.

At a daytime photocall, Stewart arrived in a Chanel ensemble featuring a sheer two piece set from Matthieu Blazy’s 2026 collection. She completed the look with vintage Nike saddle style sneakers in black and white. The choice stood out sharply against the typically formal atmosphere of the Croisette, where tailored footwear is generally expected. Her styling immediately became a talking point among attendees and fashion observers, with many noting the contrast between couture fashion and relaxed footwear.

Photo: Reuters

Later that evening, Stewart attended the premiere of Full Phil in another Chanel look, this time a red and black knitted gown. She again opted for sneakers, wearing a pair of black Converse shoes reportedly taken from her personal wardrobe. While Cannes has tightened its dress code in recent years, enforcement often allows some flexibility for high profile guests when the overall presentation is considered polished and appropriate for the event.

Photo: Reuters

Full Phil stars Stewart alongside Woody Harrelson as a father and daughter who travel to Paris in an attempt to reconnect. Their journey is disrupted by a series of unexpected encounters involving French cuisine, a 1950s horror screening, and complications at their hotel. The film premiered to a lively reception, receiving a standing ovation of around five minutes from the audience.

Critical reactions have been mixed, with some reviewers praising the performances and offbeat humour, while others noted its unconventional structure and tonal shifts. Despite the divided response, the premiere generated strong audience engagement, continuing a trend for Quentin Dupieux’s films to spark debate at major festivals.

Stewart’s fashion choices, however, were widely praised across social media and fashion commentary outlets. Her combination of high fashion Chanel pieces with everyday sneakers was seen as a deliberate contrast to traditional red carpet expectations, reinforcing her reputation for unpredictable and individualistic style choices.

The appearance added to ongoing discussions about how festival dress codes are interpreted in practice, particularly at Cannes, where strict rules often intersect with celebrity influence and evolving fashion norms.