Helena Christensen just added a daring, rule-defying sultry gown to her red carpet style repertoire at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The former supermodel wore a black lace dress that boasted a daring sheer twist to the screening of Amarga Navidad.
The garment featured velvet bra cups adorned with intricate lace embroidery and an elegant backless design that was accented with criss-cross straps. The entire garment was covered on opaque lace panels that exposed her skin and created a ruffled effect on the skirt.
Helena accessorized with a pair of open-toe pumps and a collection of dainty silver jewelry. Her brunette locks were left down in soft waves while her makeup oozed glam, courtesy of a smoky eye and a glossy lip.
© Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty ImagesThe organisers of the prestigious event issued new rules last year to ban several types of gowns from the red carpet, referencing "decency" and "efficiency" with their decision. Voluminous dresses and garments with long trains have been prohibited as they "hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre". Naked dresses have also been added to the charter for "decency reasons".
"For the Grand Théâtre Lumière gala screenings taking place around 7 and 10pm, which are attended by the artistic teams, evening wear (long dress, tuxedo) is required. Alternatively, you may also wear 'a little black dress,' a cocktail dress, a dark-colored pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants [...] a black or navy-blue suit with bow-tie," reads the Cannes Film Festival dress code.
It continued: "Tote bags, backpacks or large bags are prohibited during gala screenings [...] For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the Red Carpet, as well as in any other area of the Festival. Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted. The Festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit Red Carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules."
Helena Christensen's best Cannes looks
© Getty Images for amfARBack in 2023, the Danish model graced the annual star-studded amfAR gala in a white custom strapless Christian Dior gown that was previously worn by Rihanna in 2017 on the Cannes red carpet.
© Photo12/Universal Images Group vThe bridal-inspired gown featured a fit and flare silhouette with a billowing cape that was draped off the shoulders. Unlike the hitmaker, Helena went sans sunglasses.
A year later, Helena opted for yet another bridal-chic look in the French Riviera. She donned a bespoke white gown from Vivienne Westwood that boasted the designer's signature corset bodice with a figure-hugging silhouette. The gown featured a flowing cape that moved gracefully behind the model as she commanded the red carpet.
