I doubt it's as ridiculous as the article makes it sound, but I'm not familiar with this story. It sounds like hired security was told what the dress code was and was overzealous.

Evening dress at Cannes is black tie. Women's formal shoes tend to be heels. Rhinestone flats really are not black tie appropriate.

I think a sensible analogy, for men, is straight tie vs. bowtie. You're asking for trouble if you forego the bowtie.

Likewise, I think a man wearing heels will also be turned away.

If folks have a problem with this, then I can think of no better crowd to dictate what is appropriate dress than the Hollywood elite, so I suspect this will resolve itself without much ado.

I'm 6'4" and my wife is 5'2". I really like it when she wears heels. For us, they have a very practical appeal.

Of course, the last thing I need is to wear high heels myself.

Exactly the same issue with myself and my girlfriend. It feels nice for both of us to be nearer in height.

Ahh, I see. I'm only about average height. I might feel differently if I were 6-7 inches taller.

Heels accentuate the legs. I agree though, there's something very attractive about a woman in slacks, sneakers, and a loose-fitting Guns-N-Roses tshirt.