Bella Hadid just reinvented a 2005 beauty mood—and the internet is obsessed. Unless you’ve been avoiding social media for the past two days (in which case, I’m kind of jealous), chances are you’ve seen Bella Hadid blow the beauty world’s minds with her 2025 Cannes Film Festival look.
Radiant tan skin, long honey-blonde hair, and a nude glossy lip—Bella Hadid was the epitome of hot girl energy, wearing a simple black Saint Laurent gown and gigantic 118.68-carat emerald earrings. The ultimate little black dress, Hadid’s gown featured a daring thigh-high slit, cowl neckline, and elegant low back.
Her skin-baring look comes at a time when the Cannes Film Festival is facing serious controversy over its announcement to ban nudity and long trains on the red carpet—a staple for many A-listers who’ve graced the event over the years.
While Bella Hadid once again brought the fashion heat to the Cannes carpet, and yes, we still remember her jaw-dropping 2021 Schiaparelli moment, it was her glam that got the internet talking this year. But why does this look feel so familiar?
Let’s go back to 2005: Rachel McAdams steps out onto the Late Night with Conan O’Brien stage looking like a sun-kissed goddess with bright honey highlights and a pinky nude lip—a look that has been a Pinterest staple ever since. Riding high on The Notebook press tour, McAdams was the beauty blueprint of the mid-2000s, with IT girls like Jessica Alba, Ashlee Simpson, Paris Hilton, and Kim Kardashian all embracing the bronzed glow.
The low-contrast, golden hues that evoke the classic girl-next-door look stand in stark contrast to the editorial, sharp, edgy glam Bella usually serves. She’s approachable, softer, feminine—a pivot we’ve seen from many Hollywood stars vying for the next “hot girl in town” crown (looking at you, Jennifer Lawrence circa 2011).
Let’s face it—while we adore the avant-garde fashion of the Met Gala or the messy, rebellious energy of Brat Girl Summer, sometimes nothing works better than a glowy tan, soft blonde waves, a brown smoky eye, natural nude lip, and a classic LBD to say: Hey world, I’m hot.
Is this a sign that “clean girl” beauty is evolving into something sexier and more nostalgic? One thing’s clear: effortless glam is having a moment—and Bella’s leading the charge.
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