How Indian Celebrities Redefined Fashion at Cannes 2025!

Hey, readers, I know your Insta feed must have been flooded with pictures from Cannes in the last week and believe it, so was mine. But I have to admit that this time the Indian celebs really nailed it. From seasoned actresses to emerging talents, these stars showcased how fashion is done in a true sense, making a significant mark on the global stage.

After recovering from Cannes blue, it's time to look back at all those jaw-dropping fashion moments that made us "awwww" and had us dreaming that if only we could look like that in real life or better yet, live it all.

Alia Bhatt

The true blue Bollywood star, Alia Bhatt, made a remarkable debut at Cannes 2025. She served and devoured 4 looks and each one of them was an absolute hit. On the very first day, she stunned in a Schiaparelli S/S Summer couture 2025 gown which had a deep neckline, ruffles at the end and detailed lace work throughout the outfit.

Being Gucci's global brand ambassador, the highlight of her appearance had to be when she donned a custom Gucci outfit which drew inspiration from India’s rich heritage and craftsmanship and seemed a reflection of a lehenga rather than an interpretation of a saree. The ensemble featured a minimal yet sensual silhouette adorned with the GG monogram. Accessorized with a mini Jackie bag and a traditional 'kaala teeka' to ward off the evil eye, Alia dropped the crown. She created a moment when she posed with her hand over her neck to handle a wardrobe malfunction and save her broken necklace and the flashes of the international paparazzi went in all direction.

She ate and left no crumbs when she chose to wear Gucci's co-ord set for her interview rounds. That yellow colour on that ensemble looked elegant and served major Hollywood vibes by the coast of the French Riviera.

Last but not least, she wore a bejewelled Giorgio Armani Prive gown with a headpiece that exuded Princess vibes, off the red carpet when she represented L’Oréal at Cannes 2025 as a brand ambassador. Oh Alia, how come you managed to look so dreamy with each of your looks? We fans are screaming!!!!

Janhvi Kapoor

Cannes 2025 was all about good looks, good looks, and good looks. And when you think of good looks complemented with great style, Janhvi's name tops my mind. Each of her looks at Cannes 2025 curated by her cousin sister and stylist Rhea Kapoor, was a striking balance of heritage and haute couture which made her debut even more special.

For her first look after arrival in Cannes, Janhvi Kapoor donned in Miu Miu from head to toe. The actor wore the ensemble to celebrate Catherine Martin’s special project for Miu Miu Upcycled. She wore a checkered green crop shirt and a grey checkered jacket over a white textured cropped tank top and a mini skirt. She completed the look with black slingbacks, white calf-length socks, sunglasses, a tan handbag, and gold cocktail rings. She looked like not million but a billion buck!!

And for her first-ever Cannes red carpet, Kapoor turned to Tarun Tahiliani for a look that was equally traditional and dreamy. The outfit comprised a hand-crushed tissue skirt paired with a woven Benarasi corset, and Tarun Tahiliani's signature drape in a soft pink shade which was a tribute to her late mother and Bollywood thespian, Sridevi. She paired her look with layered pearls and soft pink makeup and honestly we fell in love.

Janhvi Kapoor wore a custom Anamika Khanna look featuring a gold embroidered corset and a mint green skirt for the screening of her film "HOMEBOUND". But the real hero was the backless silhouette finished with a spine chain by Aurus Jewels. This look was super fresh, something that we never expected and daring as well and made us question: Janhvi, are you a goddess for real?

For the press event for Homebound, which earned a nine-minute standing ovation, Kapoor went full old-Hollywood in a Dior haute couture gown from 1957. The ensemble features a plunging neck, a sleeveless silhouette, a figure-sculpting frame, and a midi hem length. She wore it with diamond earrings and a diamond brooch anchored by a 10-carat pear. A sleek top knot, minimal glam, and silk Opera gloves completed the look. She channeled Old Hollywood charm and looked like Audrey Hepburn: Bollywood version.

The actress channeled her inner Marilyn Monroe in a black backless gown from Yves Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche 1975 collection, styled by Rhea Kapoor. The Scandinavian scarf, the iconic Christian Louboutin heels, diamond pear-shaped studs from Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers, and a mini Hermès Kelly added elegance to her look. She also vowed in vintage when her stylist Rhea Kapoor paid homage to YSL, which also featured a sculptural saucer hat from YSL Rive Gauche, 1987, and a velvet jacket from 1989. The jacket and hat were paired with a custom-made by Anamika Khanna silk chiffon skirt inspired by Yves’ poetic era between 1987 and 1991. Hollywood who? We have Janhvi in the house.

Hold your breath for Janhvi's last look at Cannes 2025. In a “dripping sari” by Di Petsa, Kapoor brought Bollywood nostalgia of Tip Tip Barsa Paani to the French Riviera. The designer's signature wet look was paired with a contemporary reimagination of a sari, complete with a blouse and diagonal drape. This fluid ivory piece was styled with a Chopard choker made with purple jewels and a large emarald pendant with emerald earrings to match. Queen, you are unbelievable!!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Finally, the mother has arrived!! A Cannes veteran, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walked the carpet in a custom Manish Malhotra Banarasi sari for her 22nd appearance. The white and gold saree was styled with a ruby necklace and sindoor, which hinted a tribute to India's "Operation Sindoor". Once again, she proved, nobody else could represent the nation better than her at global platforms.

The global icon arrived in a custom black velvet Gaurav Gupta dress for the next day. Over it, she wore a Banarasi brocade cape with a shlok from Geeta written over it and handwoven in Varanasi, India and paired the look with her signature red lip. Did you say royalty? Oh, I heard Aishwarya!

Jacqueline Fernandez

Bollywood star and queen of hearts, Jacqueline Fernandez made a striking appearance as she officially represented Indian cinema under the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema initiative.

For her Day 1 appearance, the actor chose a striking pant suit ensemble by Anamika Khanna’s prêt line AK/OK that balanced structured tailoring with sultry glamour. While the sleek silhouette turned heads, the body ornament made of silver chains stole the spotlight. The arm cuffs further added detailing and style to the look.

Interestingly, while Fernandez chose white for the panel discussion, she opted for an extravagant red gown at the ‘Women in Cinema’ gala held at Cannes 2025 for the initiative. Recognised among six global honourees, Jacqueline stood alongside Sarah Taibah, Elham Ali, Amina Khalil, Engfa Waraha, Gaya Jiji, and Rungano Nyoni. Taking to Instagram, she wrote:

Delighted to be an honouree at the Women in Cinema initiative that champions female storytellers.

She shared couple of pictures on her Instagram wearing a seafoam blue bodycon gown from the Philipp Plein Resort 2025 collection. The halter-neck gown featured fringe at the neck that made Jacqueline look like a mermaid exuding charm, sass and beauty.

Nitanshi Goel

Seventeen-year-old actress Nitanshi Goel was also present at Cannes 2025. Her Cannes debut was an absolute hit. She not only turned heads but also paid tribute to iconic Bollywood actresses like Rekha, Hema Malini, Sridevi, and Madhubala and proving that she can be the ultimate torchbearer of their legacy in Bollywood.

Nitanshi Goel's first experience of Cannes was a visit to the India Pavilion, where she was the center of attraction in a stunning ivory saree. The most striking part of her outfit was her immaculate hairstyle, which was complemented by pins featuring images of the Bollywood iconic heroines who redefined Bollywood golden age of cinema. Nitanshi's saree, designed by Jade by Monica and Karishma, was bow embroidery, 3D floral, which fell, and paisley. The blouse was hand-stitched with pearls and bead embellishment.

During the late evening, Nitanshi Goel walked the Cannes red carpet in a lavish black ensemble adorned with gold embroidery, oozing class and extravagances. The black ensemble, designed for the second time by Jade by Monica and Karishma, consisted of Kasab lace and detailed macrame elements.

She talked with The Hollywood Reporter India. During her conversation, the gorgeous actress was wearing an embellished and cutesy dress in a butterfly shape with a trail-bow in the back. The mini-dress had hues of sky-blue and pink, the latter being the core colour. From beads, pearls, and sequins, the dress from Papa Don't Preach was every bit dramatic but in a cute and eye-soothing way. It had a sweetheart neckline attached with pearl-embedded panel work. This made her look like a beautiful phool (a character she played in her first film: Laapataa Ladies')

Karan Johar

A Bollywood icon, prolific filmmaker and an amazing fashion enthusiast, Karan Johar ditched his regular bling jackets and pout selfies at Cannes 2025 and channelled elegance, charm and experimental fashion moments on and off the red carpet.

He looked dashing walking the streets of the French Riviera dressed in a pink checked, three-piece tailored suit by label Crestelli. He styled the suit with a midnight blue-almost black shirt and pocket square featuring a white and dark blue pattern. 

For his first red carpet appearance alongside team Homebound, Karan Johar made heads turn and jaws drop in a custom, white Manish Malhotra ivory bandhgala with handcrafted tonal thread embroidery & a woven jacquard collar. Stylist Eka paired the bandhgala with an ivory shirt with ruffle detail on collar placket and cuff and heeled black shiny shoes. Karan totally slayed!

To mark his presence at the Bharat Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, Karan created drama in a Valentino kimono-style jacket. Featuring Indian-inspired motifs that also added a subtle nod to Cannes, Eka and Karan opted to leave the jacket open and style the belt like a scarf draped around his neck. Paired with navy blue trousers and a cross-lapel shirt, man you looked so fine.

Karan Johar’s final look in the French Riviera oozed of royalty like never before. A rich maroon Helen Anthony full canvassed suit, handmade in Savile Row, London over 100 hours, screamed style fit for a king. Talking about the look, Eka said: 

This exquisite suit by Helen Anthony is a true statement of British luxury and artisanal excellence. Crafted from premium British velvet in collaboration with the world-renowned fabric mill Scabal, the piece represents true British heritage and craftsmanship.

Ishaan Khatter & Vishal Jethwa

Cannes 2025 also showcased some extraordinary debuts. Debutant Ishan Khatter & Vishal Jethwa were presented at the screening of their film "HOMEBOUND" along with their co-star Janhvi Kapoor who had a special appearance in that film. Though the Bollywood beauty took away the majority of the limelight at Cannes for her impeccable fashion moments but the men are not behind at all.

Ishaan's regal look featured a wine-colored velvet couture, crafted by Gaurav Gupta into a sharp suit with a tailored fit. The ensemble features a high-neck collar, full sleeves, and striking black embroidery at the front. The velvet suit was paired with matching straight pants.For the premiere of Homebound, Ishaan rocked a classic Giorgio Armani ensemble that combined vintage sophistication with an edge that felt distinctly his own. He elevated the look with Jacques Marie Mage glasses, a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, a Messika ring and a MacKenna Thaler necklace. Ishan's look was not a major slay, to be honest and something quite predictable. We fans wanted more from you, Ishan.

The real showstopper of Cannes 2025 is Vishal Jethwa, hands down. Vishal looked dandy in a black pantsuit with a striking brooch from Kaushik Valendra. While the entire ensemble stayed void of colour and texture, the actor’s shoulders bejewelled with shimmering adornments stole show. The relaxed silhouette, front button closures, and full-length sleeves rounded off the design elements. Allowing the blazer to be the highlight of his look, Vishal went minimal with the accessories, and only wore rings on both hands and dress shoes. For the premiere of Homebound, Vishal opted for a detailed grey coat with oversized shoulders. It acted as the perfect interplay of structure, sparkle, and ever so charming.

Mouni Roy

Actress Mouni Roy who is known for her exceptional acting skills in the movie: Brahmashtra. She turned heads in a midnight blue and black off-shoulder gown by Caroline Couture. The thigh-high slit and elegant design highlighted her poise and grace. This whole look was elevated by dazzling Chopard jewels, including layers of shimmering diamond necklaces. This Benagli beauty is such a stunner!!

Urvashi Rautela

The queen of controversy and all things first was present at Cannes as well. Urvashi Rautela walked the Cannes 2025 opening ceremony red carpet in a multicoloured floor-length gown with a dramatic back, paired with a tiara and a blingy parrot-shaped handbag, which reportedly sells for around Rs 4.7 lakh. The outfit also reminded many of Aishwarya Rai’s iconic 2018 Cannes look.

She embraced gothic elegance in a black ball gown featuring a ruched skirt and sheer mesh bodice. However, a tear on the mesh below her left shoulder garnered attention, making her the first Indian actress to experience a wardrobe mishap at Cannes.

Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi Rao Hydari turned heads in a shimmering ombré bodycon gown by Rahul Mishra, accessorised with jewels from Chopard. The ombre gown is from Rahul Mishra's Aura collection, showcased at the Couture Week during Fall/Winter 2024 Paris Fashion Week. Meanwhile, with her hair left loose in a centre parting and styled in soft, straight locks, Aditi chose minimal makeup to style the celestial gown.

She donned a red-toned saree from Raw Mango at Cannes 2025. The silk saree was simple and had only a royal blue border. Aditi kept it minimal and teamed her saree with a sleeveless blouse. For jewels, the gorgeous actress wore a choker and matching earrings. What made her look even more striking was Aditi's sindoor-clad maang with the addition of a bindi. But Aditi, we know that you can do much better.

Natasha Poonawalla

The billionaire philanthropist and fashion icon Natasha Poonawalla graced the Cannes red carpet, known for her avant-garde style. The business mogul presented another showstopping ensemble, sourced from Christian Dior. The black Dior dress featured a plunging, halterneck sweetheart neckline. The sleeves of the dress define the 2000s off-shoulder sleeve trend. The flowy mesh fabric, cinched at her waist and ruched on her midriff, cascaded into a pleated, flowy skirt. The dress featured a geometric pattern right beneath the bosom that was embellished with cut-dana beads in colorful floral and botanical motifs. The scalloped hemline of the dress was also trimmed with the cut-dana floral adornments.

Poonwalla paired her Dior dress with a Dior golden fur jacket. The golden jacket featured intricate, floral and geometric tapestries. Its hemlines boasted blocks of pastel-hued art, adding playful vibes to her fit. Natasha slung the jacket over her shoulders for a statement-making look. The vibrant necklace added a pop of color to her fit as it boasted red and green kundan embellishments, tucked with pearls. An array of large pear-shaped red stones, attached with another drop charm, decorated Natasha’s neck beautifully.

Sharmila Tagore & Simi Garewal

I have saved the best for last. At this year's Cannes Film Festival, Indian cinema took centre stage with a timeless classic. A stunning 4K restored version of Satyajit Ray's 1970 Bengali-language gem, Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest), was showcased in the Cannes Classics section.

Veteran actresses Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal, who starred in the original film, graced the red carpet to honour the restored print. Sharmila dazzled in a rich green sari, accompanied by her daughter Saba Pataudi, who wore a vibrant yellow outfit. Simi made her Cannes debut in a stunning white couture gown by Karleo.

Too many looks, too many iconic moments, too many memories from Cannes 2025 that we are not forgetting any time soon. Cannes 2025, you were legendary! Looking forward to Cannes 2026....