Cannes 2026: Indian Stars Dazzle With Craft and Couture

The Cannes Film Festival 2026 proved to be a showcase of extraordinary fashion, with Indian and international celebrities delivering memorable looks that blended heritage craft with high couture. Indian stars dominated the style conversation, bringing the richness of the subcontinent’s textile traditions to one of the world’s most watched red carpets.

Alia Bhatt turned heads at a L’Oréal Paris dinner in a custom chintz-inspired creation by Tarun Tahiliani. The off-shoulder corseted ensemble featured a deep burgundy and muted ivory palette, with a folded neckline and intricate sleeve detailing that gave the look a distinctly period-inspired elegance.

Aditi Rao Hydari Champions Indian Craft

Aditi Rao Hydari chose a custom JADE sari rooted in Mughal garden motifs for her Cannes appearance. The champagne silk tissue sari brought together four archival block prints handcrafted by fourth-generation Chippa artisans from Rajasthan, finished with Mughal-inspired kasab embroidery. Jewellery by Indriya Jewels, including a bold green-and-gold necklace, completed the refined look.

Simone Ashley made an equally striking impression in a crimson archival Alexander McQueen gown from the designer’s 2005 collection. The strapless, mermaid-silhouette piece was paired with Chaumet jewellery and classic Old Hollywood-style waves.

Black Eveningwear Commands Attention

Away from the main Cannes circuit, black eveningwear emerged as a recurring theme. Huma Qureshi wore a sharp all-black Gabriela Hearst suit to the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema gala, while Mrunal Thakur chose a custom black gown by Gauri and Nainika, elevated by statement emerald earrings. Kalyani Priyadarshan rounded out the monochromatic trend in a strapless black-and-burgundy ITRH² gown adorned with crystal embroidery and an extraordinary Kalyan Jewellers lariat set with diamonds, sapphires and morganites.