The 78th Cannes Film Festival in 2025 was a dazzling affair, with Indian actresses making a significant mark on the red carpet. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Janhvi Kapoor emerged as standout fashion icons, showcasing a diverse range of styles that blended Indian heritage with contemporary couture. Their appearances not only celebrated cinema but also highlighted India's growing influence on the global fashion stage.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes veteran, once again proved her status as the "Queen of Cannes." Her fashion choices were a blend of tradition and modernity. One of her most talked-about looks was an ivory Banarasi handloom saree designed by Manish Malhotra, adorned with golden embellishments and detailed Kadwa brocade embroidery. She complemented this traditional ensemble with a statement necklace featuring 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds. In another appearance, Aishwarya donned a custom Gaurav Gupta creation, a black couture gown titled "Heiress of Clam," featuring flowing shapes decorated with shades of silver, gold, charcoal, and black, sparkling with tiny glass crystals. Adding a cultural touch, she wore a Banarasi brocade cape with a Sanskrit shloka from the Bhagavad Gita inscribed on it. Aishwarya's choice to wear sindoor also garnered attention, effectively dispelling recent divorce rumors and adding a traditional touch to her overall look.
Alia Bhatt made her highly anticipated Cannes debut in 2025 and quickly established herself as a fashion force to be reckoned with. For her first appearance, Alia wore an ivory-nude Schiaparelli gown from Daniel Roseberry's Spring 2025 Couture collection. The off-shoulder dress featured intricate floral detailing and a corset-style bodice. Later the same evening, she switched into a bejeweled midnight navy gown by Armani Privé, styled by Rhea Kapoor. However, it was her closing ceremony look that truly made history. Alia donned Gucci's first-ever bespoke saree, a custom-designed piece embellished with Swarovski crystals and featuring Gucci's signature monogram. This saree was a blend of Indian elegance and modern flair, marking a significant moment in fashion history. The three-piece silver embroidered look featured a skin-tone tulle lining, with GG logos amplified by Swarovski crystals. This was more than just a fashion statement; it was a cultural salute and a true celebration of heritage on a global stage.
Janhvi Kapoor also made her Cannes debut in 2025, leaving a lasting impression with her unique style. Styled by her sister Rhea Kapoor, Janhvi's looks were a blend of tradition, transformation, and timeless elegance. For her red carpet debut, Janhvi chose a custom Tarun Tahiliani handwoven real tissue skirt and corset, specially crafted in Banaras. The soft pink saree look was a tribute to her mother, Sridevi. She paired her look with layered pearls and soft pink makeup. Another standout look was a custom Anamika Khanna ensemble featuring a gold embroidered corset and a mint green skirt, completed with archival traditional Indian jewels. Janhvi also showcased old Hollywood glamour in a sleek, all-black ensemble, paying homage to Yves Saint Laurent with a vintage saucer hat and velvet jacket, complemented by yellow diamonds by Chopard. To wrap up her Cannes run, Kapoor channeled Bollywood nostalgia in a Di Petsa saree. With its wet-look draping, soft shimmer, and dripping Chopard jewelry, the entire outfit felt romantic and otherworldly.
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 was a testament to the evolving landscape of fashion, where Indian actresses are confidently blending their cultural heritage with global trends. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Janhvi Kapoor each brought their unique style and grace to the red carpet, solidifying their positions as fashion icons and ambassadors of Indian culture on the world stage. Their stunning appearances not only celebrated cinema but also highlighted the beauty and diversity of Indian fashion.
