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From elegant drapes to contemporary takes, the saree was celebrated in all its glory at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.
(L-R) Aishwarya Rai in Manish Malhotra, Alia Bhatt in Gucci
The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival concluded last night, on May 24. This year saw a strong Indian representation at the prestigious film festival. While celebrities gathered together at the festival to celebrate global cinema, they also used this platform to highlight India’s beloved fashion treasure – the saree. From elegant drapes to contemporary takes, the saree was celebrated in all its glory at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.
Celebrities and social media personalities made some powerful sartorial statements by embracing the saree on this global platform. Blending heritage with haute couture, the saree was used as a canvas for bold expression, elegance, and reinvention. Let’s take a look at some of the best saree moments from Cannes 2025.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
The Queen of Cannes, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, graced the red carpet in a breathtaking ivory Banarasi saree. Designed by Manish Malhotra, the handwoven Kadwa saree was a striking blend of heritage and high fashion, showcasing intricate brocade motifs and hand-embroidered zari work in real silver. She paired the saree with a full-sleeved blouse that echoed the ornate embroidery of the saree. She added a sheer white tissue dupatta with delicate gold and silver zardozi edging added an ethereal layer to the look. Complementing this regal attire, Aishwarya wore heirloom Manish Malhotra jewellery: over 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds set in 18k gold.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt brought a contemporary twist to traditional elegance in a custom Gucci gown that resembled a saree. As the brand’s first Indian Global Ambassador, Alia’s ensemble included a bralette-style blouse, a fitted skirt, and a flowing drape. The ensemble was adorned with Gucci’s iconic GG monogram, intricately embedded in a criss-cross crystal embroidery pattern that shimmered under the red carpet lights.
Aditi Rao Hydari
For one of her looks at Cannes 2025, Aditi Rao Hydari opted for a crimson red saree by Raw Mango. The luxurious silk saree, accentuated by a striking cobalt blue border, was a perfect harmony of understated elegance and regal charm. The vivid colour palette paid homage to classic Indian design while seamlessly fitting the glamour of an international red carpet. Aditi complemented the ensemble with a beautifully crafted heritage-inspired choker and matching earrings.
Janhvi Kapoor
Draped in an ethereal white chiffon saree by London-based label DI PETSA, Janhvi honoured the memory of her late mother, Sridevi. The brand is known for its “wet-look” creations. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, Janhvi paired the wet saree with a striking emerald-and-sapphire Chopard necklace and edgy statement ear cuffs.
Sharmila Tagore
For her appearance at the screening of Aranyer Din Ratri, Sharmila exuded grace in a rich emerald green silk saree by Raw Mango. The saree was adorned with a subtle gold zari border. The ensemble struck the perfect balance between simplicity and grandeur, allowing her innate elegance to shine through. She accessorised with a gold clutch and dainty green earrings.
Parul Gulati
Parul gave the timeless sari a futuristic edge. In a striking vision crafted by designer Riddhi Bansal and styled by Mohit Rai, she wore a custom Banarasi tissue sari that was encased in resin. It was sculpted to fit her body and to mimic the fluid shimmer of liquid metal. The avant-garde drape clung to her silhouette like a second skin, blurring the lines between tradition and innovation.
Nitanshi Goel
For her debut look, Nitanshi brought a heartfelt homage to Bollywood legends through a custom pre-draped saree by Jade by Monica & Karishma. She paired the saree with a backless blouse edged in pearls and a sheer, cloud-like dupatta. The look was rich with intricate details – bow embroidery, floral motifs, and paisley patterns created using a traditional resist-dyeing technique. But it was her hair accessory that truly stole the spotlight: a bespoke pearl parandi that was adorned with black-and-white portraits of Bollywood’s greatest stars.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
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