Bella Hadid may have worn one of the most talked-about looks at Cannes this year, but now the real story behind the daring dress is leaving people even more stunned. The revealing white gown that exposed much of the model’s chest wasn’t just another red carpet shock moment — it reportedly took more than 22,000 hours to complete.
The intricate custom-made look was created by Schiaparelli under the direction of the brand’s artistic director Daniel Roseberry. According to newly revealed details, more than 130 people worked on the gown before it finally appeared on Bella at the Cannes Film Festival.
And despite the endless conversation about the outfit’s dramatic neckline and body-baring cut, the craftsmanship behind it was just as extreme as the final result.
The dress featured complex trompe l’oeil lace embroidery made from cords and anchor threads, covered with delicate black beadwork that created the illusion of texture and movement across Bella’s body. Fashion insiders say the design was directly inspired by one of Jane Birkin’s most iconic looks — the legendary knitted dress she wore in Paris back in 1969.
Bella stepped onto the Cannes red carpet on May 21 wearing the gown, instantly becoming one of the most photographed celebrities of the evening. The dress featured a daring slit reaching almost to her navel, exposing part of her chest and turning the appearance into one of the festival’s most controversial fashion moments.
Photos of the supermodel quickly spread online, with reactions ranging from admiration to complete disbelief. Some praised Bella for confidently carrying such an artistic and difficult design, while others argued the outfit crossed the line between couture and pure provocation.
Still, the sheer scale of work behind the dress surprised even people who disliked the final result. Spending over 22,000 hours on a single garment immediately transformed the look from “just another revealing dress” into one of the most technically ambitious couture pieces seen at Cannes this year.
And for Bella Hadid, the appearance once again proved that she understands exactly how to dominate a red carpet. Whether people loved the gown or hated it, almost nobody stopped talking about it afterward. Some fans believe the dress was a masterpiece of fashion history and craftsmanship. Others say no amount of embroidery can distract from how revealing the outfit really was. Was this true couture art… or simply another calculated Cannes shock moment?
