This year’s Cannes Film Festival organizers may have cracked down on the infamous naked dress, but interestingly, they have not imposed restrictions on BDSM-themed menswear. While much of the dress code scrutiny seems focused on women’s red carpet attire, Alexander Skarsgård has pushed sartorial boundaries with a playful, irreverent edge.
Sporting kinky thigh-high boots and a mismatched sequin suit, the Swedish actor’s looks have cleverly bent the rules while injecting humor and personality into the festival’s formal atmosphere.
Promoting Pillion: Style Reflecting Character
Skarsgård is at Cannes promoting Pillion, a daring new film where he portrays Ray, the charismatic leader of a queer biker club who takes on Colin (Harry Melling) as his sexual submissive.
The film has already captured attention with a seven-minute standing ovation at its premiere. Embracing his role beyond the screen, Skarsgård’s fashion choices have echoed the film’s themes, amplifying his character’s dominance and style through carefully curated outfits.
Fashion as Storytelling: From Zendaya to Timothée
Themed dressing and sartorial Easter eggs have become a powerful form of storytelling on the red carpet. Stylists and celebrities like Zendaya and Law Roach have transformed every appearance into a moment of cultural or cinematic commentary—from archival Givenchy cyborg looks to custom tennis-printed Loewe dresses.
Similarly, Timothée Chalamet’s full method tribute to Bob Dylan at a recent premiere showcased how fashion can be a profound extension of character and narrative.
Skarsgård’s Signature Boundary-Pushing Looks
Alexander Skarsgård himself is no stranger to using fashion as an extension of his roles. When promoting Infinity Pool, he famously wore a leather leash on the red carpet, a provocative nod to the film’s content. This year, at Pillion’s photo call, he combined Loewe leather trousers with a thrifted BDSM graphic T-shirt depicting a faceless leather boot stepping on a man’s open mouth—an unmistakable reference to his film character’s dominant persona.
Later, on the red carpet, Skarsgård donned a full look from Saint Laurent’s spring 2025 menswear collection, complete with the striking over-the-knee leather boots also sported by Pedro Pascal, blending sensuality with boldness.
A Masterclass in Sartorial Risk-Taking
But the daring ensembles didn’t stop there. For the premiere of Eagles of the Republic, Skarsgård embraced a Frankenstein-inspired suit styled by Harry Lambert. This eclectic mix featured a gray striped Magliano jacket, an oversized pink bow tie, and cobalt sequin trousers by Bianca Saunders—a fearless, avant-garde statement that balanced audacity with artistic flair.
Walking the Line Between Protocol and Provocation
While Skarsgård adheres to Cannes’ official dress code by wearing evening dress or bow ties on the red carpet, his approach clearly toes the line between conformity and rebellion. Much like his character Ray, the actor is setting a new standard for festival fashion—one that embraces creativity, subversion, and playful irreverence within the parameters of tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What movie is Alexander Skarsgård promoting at Cannes this year?
He is promoting Pillion, a film where he plays Ray, the leader of a queer biker club who takes on a sexual submissive, Colin, played by Harry Melling.
How has Alexander Skarsgård’s fashion reflected his role in Pillion?
Skarsgård’s outfits incorporate BDSM themes and bold, unconventional pieces like leather thigh-high boots and graphic T-shirts, echoing his character’s dominant persona in the film.
Has Cannes imposed strict dress code restrictions this year?
While the festival has banned certain provocative attire such as the infamous naked dress, there appear to be fewer restrictions on men’s themed or edgy fashion, which Skarsgård has taken advantage of.
Who styled Alexander Skarsgård for Cannes 2025?
His looks were styled by Harry Lambert, a well-known fashion stylist who has crafted several of Skarsgård’s daring and artistic outfits.
What are some notable fashion moments from Skarsgård at Cannes?
Highlights include his Saint Laurent spring 2025 menswear look with leather over-the-knee boots, a thrifted BDSM graphic T-shirt, and a Frankenstein-like suit combining Magliano, Bianca Saunders, and a pink oversized bow tie.
Is Skarsgård breaking Cannes’ dress code rules?
Skarsgård adheres to the official dress code by wearing evening dress or bow ties on the red carpet but pushes the boundaries with provocative, thematic styling that challenges traditional norms.
How does Skarsgård’s fashion approach compare to other celebrities?
Like Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, who use fashion as a form of storytelling, Skarsgård channels his film roles into his outfits, creating a layered narrative through style.
Conclusion
Alexander Skarsgård’s appearances at Cannes 2025 demonstrate how fashion can transcend mere aesthetics to become a powerful form of storytelling and self-expression. By embracing bold, provocative looks that echo his on-screen roles, Skarsgård not only captures attention but also challenges conventional festival norms with playful irreverence.
In doing so, he sets a new precedent for red carpet style—one where creativity and character take center stage, inviting others to rethink what it means to dress for cinema’s most prestigious event. As Cannes continues to evolve, it’s clear that stars like Skarsgård will lead the charge in blending art, fashion, and personality in unforgettable ways.
