Cannes 2025: The amfAR Gala Red Carpet Brought Decadence, Daring, and Drama
Every year during the Cannes Film Festival, the amfAR Gala becomes the unofficial finale of elegance — a night where cinema, fashion, and philanthropy collide under the stars of the French Riviera. Held once again at the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the 2025 edition delivered an unforgettable evening filled with jaw-dropping couture, social statements, and that distinct Cannes glamour.
The Venue: A Dream Framed by the Mediterranean
The gala took place on the hotel’s private clifftop terrace, where guests sipped champagne overlooking the sea. The setting, already synonymous with fashion history, was transformed with cascading florals, candlelit tables, and an ocean breeze that flirted with designer trains. As the sun dipped below the horizon, flashbulbs began to spark — and fashion took center stage.
The Looks: Old Hollywood Meets 2025
This year’s red carpet was a study in contrasts. While some guests leaned into classic glamour, others embraced hyper-modern silhouettes and sheer rebellion. Among the standout moments:
- Gigi Hadid in archival Valentino — an ivory draped gown with hand-embroidered pearls and a deep backline that echoed 1950s Cannes.
- Maluma channeled soft masculinity in a champagne silk suit with layered necklaces and leather gloves, a nod to Jean Paul Gaultier.
- Hunter Schafer stunned in an architectural Iris van Herpen design, blending natural movement with 3D-printed futuristic detailing.
- Lea Seydoux brought French sensuality in a midnight velvet gown by Saint Laurent, finished with opera gloves and a bold berry lip.
“The amfAR Gala is not just fashion — it’s cinematic couture in motion.”
A Night of Purpose
Beyond aesthetics, the gala maintained its mission: raising funds for AIDS research. This year’s auction raised over $18 million, with standout moments including a Damien Hirst canvas, a one-week Mediterranean cruise on a private yacht, and a custom Elie Saab gown. Hosts emphasized the ongoing urgency of the cause, with moving speeches from global ambassadors and researchers.
The Unexpected Stars
Not all heroes wore gowns. Designers themselves became focal points, with Daniel Roseberry (Schiaparelli) and Pierpaolo Piccioli (now at Balenciaga) both present, exchanging warm glances that hinted at a future collaboration. Meanwhile, social media stars like Wisdom Kaye and Leonie Hanne proved they could hold their own among cinema royalty, bringing digital-era relevance to a traditionally old-school crowd.
“Fashion is only meaningful when it supports something greater,” said Sharon Stone during her speech, receiving a standing ovation.
What This Means for Style
The amfAR gala once again proved that the new red carpet language blends legacy with experimentation. Lace can sit beside latex, vintage couture can share the carpet with CGI-enhanced fabrics, and activism is no longer an accessory — it’s part of the silhouette. Expect to see these bold aesthetics ripple through fall/winter editorials and even influence ready-to-wear.
Final Takeaway
As the night wrapped with a performance by Sia and a toast to unity, Cannes reminded the world that fashion is more than spectacle — it’s storytelling. And on this stage, the stories are just beginning.
Words by Style Atlas