Bella Hadid Debuts Blonde Transformation Ahead of Cannes 2025 Appearance

The supermodel stuns at Hotel Martinez with honey-blonde locks and Saint Laurent style — just in time for a revamped Cannes red carpet.

Bella Hadid is glowing — quite literally — as she makes her way into the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

On Monday, May 12, the 28-year-old supermodel was photographed arriving at the Hotel Martinez in France, turning heads not only with her striking outfit but also her dramatic hair transformation. Known for her signature brunette locks, Hadid embraced her natural honey-blonde color just in time for the glitzy festival.

She gave fans a glimpse of the new look via Instagram Stories, posting a close-up shot featuring her glossy blonde strands styled in an elegant up-do, with soft pieces falling across her face for a sultry effect.

For her arrival, Hadid wore a chic white corset top paired with matching bootcut pants, completing the ensemble with Saint Laurent’s Manhattan handbag and heart-heeled shoes — a clear nod to her longstanding relationship with the luxury label.

Though often seen with darker hair, this isn’t Hadid’s first blonde moment. In 2019, she shared sun-kissed photos that had many fans doing a double take, mistaking her for sister Gigi Hadid. In 2022, she also experimented with a pale “Aspen Blonde” shade, courtesy of hairstylist Jessica Gillin and colorist Jenna Perry.

Hadid has previously explained her choice to go brunette, citing a need to distinguish herself from her sister. “I just have a darker personality. And my sister being blonde and me being brunette, it’s a good separation,” she told Allure in 2016. “I put a blonde wig on and think it would be fun to go back, but I’m happy with my hair.”

While Gigi dazzled at this year’s Met Gala, Bella was notably absent. However, her presence in Cannes marks a return to the spotlight. Last year, she made headlines with her sheer, statement-making Saint Laurent dress at the festival — her first major red carpet appearance after a brief hiatus.

This year, however, attendees will be met with stricter fashion guidelines. According to Vogue Business, the Cannes Film Festival has updated its dress code, now banning nudity on the red carpet and discouraging oversized gowns that disrupt guest movement and seating.

With her newly golden glow and polished style, Bella Hadid appears more than ready to dazzle under the new rules — and steal the spotlight once again.