Giulia Salemi at Cannes 2025: A Bold Fashion Statement Celebrating Women’s Resistance

Cannes 2025: A Global Stage for Cultural and Social Messaging

The Significance of Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival remains one of the most prestigious cultural events worldwide, bringing together filmmakers, celebrities, and designers. It’s also an influential platform for raising awareness about pressing social issues through fashion, speeches, and activism.

Giulia Salemi’s Impact

By choosing a dress inspired by Iranian carpets and women’s resistance, Giulia made a statement—highlighting Iran’s cultural richness and the ongoing fight for women’s rights. Her bold fashion statement attracted global media attention, sparking conversations about Iran’s social struggles and the power of fashion as activism.

The Dress: A Masterpiece by Sara Behboud

The Designer

Sara Behboud is a talented emerging Iranian fashion designer renowned for her craftsmanship and storytelling through garments. Her work often pays homage to Iran’s cultural heritage and women’s resilience.

The Design Elements

• Material: The dress features a luxurious black silk skirt symbolizing elegance, depth, and resilience.
• Bodice: Decorated with intricate Iranian carpet motifs, representing Iran’s rich textile art and cultural identity.
• Hijab-Inspired Head Covering: The dress includes a modern hijab-like element, symbolizing modesty, resistance, and cultural pride.
• Embroidery: Each embroidery was handcrafted by women who have endured violence, symbolizing strength and hope.

The Symbolic Story

This dress is more than just fashion; it’s a narrative of women’s resistance in Iran. The carpet motifs symbolize Iran’s artistic heritage and the collective strength of Iranian women fighting for justice. The hijab element reflects ongoing struggles for autonomy, while the handcrafted embroidery embodies resilience and hope.