This year, Cannes has been a major fashion moment for Indian celebrities. From Aishwarya Rai to Sharmila Tagore, many Indians marked their presence at the prestigious film festival. While we loved what actors and influencers were wearing to the event, have you noticed how more and more celebs are ditching gowns and dresses for ethnic wear?
It’s a trend that’s impossible to miss and honestly, it’s refreshing and inspiring.
For decades, the international red carpet has been dominated by Western styles, where gowns and dresses set the standard of glamour. Cut to 2025, and stars are rewriting the rules by embracing their heritage wear unapologetically.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended the prestigious film festival in a pristine ivory sheer handwoven Kadwa Banarasi saree, paired with heirloom jewellery and a Chanderi drape on her right shoulder. What truly stole the limelight was her sindoor (vermilion). Her saree was from the house of Manish Malhotra.
Actor Aditi Rao Hydari exuded nayi dulhan charm in a red sari and statement jewels, but it was the vermillion on her head which caught the attention of fans. Her look even left husband Sidharth floored!
This was Aditi’s second Cannes look. She previously graced the red carpet in a shimmering ombré bodycon gown by Rahul Mishra, accessorised with Chopard jewels and styled with minimal makeup.
Marking her Cannes debut, Janhvi Kapoor wore a custom-made Anamika Khanna ensemble for the official premiere screening of her film ‘Homebound’ at Cannes.
Janhvi dazzled in a backless mint green gown featuring a long flowing trail and antique gold embroidery on the high neckline, blending regal and modern styles. She paired it with archival Indian jewellery and custom jade-jadau pieces, styled her hair in a sleek bun, and wore traditional earrings for vintage charm.
Styled by Mohit Rai and designed by Riddhi Bansal, Parul wore a custom Banarasi tissue sari in resin, creating a shimmering liquid-metal illusion, an artistic blend of couture, culture, and rebellion.
Keeping up with her tradition of wearing saree, veteran actor, Sharmila Tagore was seen in a gorgeous green saree for her Cannes appearance and the screening of her film ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ directed by the iconic director late Satyajit Ray. She exuded royalty and we could only think that her beauty and elegance could not be compared!
In essence, this shift is a powerful reminder: we don’t have to fit into someone else’s idea of “cool” or “glamour.” Instead, we can own our culture, heritage and redefine beauty on our own terms, and show the world that tradition and modernity can coexist beautifully, sometimes even on the most dazzling red carpets across the globe.
