While Alia Bhatt’s debut appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 was certainly a red carpet moment, it was much more than that – it was an ode to Indian heritage, contemporary couture and a new global fashion icon. Over the course of multiple appearances, Alia was able to combine classic elegance with current fashion, garner publicity, and create a new bar for Cannes style.
A Grand Entrance: The Schiaparelli Gown
Alia made an absolutely stunning debut in an ivory haute couture dress by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli.
The ivory gown from the Spring/Summer 2025 collection was wonderfully structured, yet still fluid and simply beautiful, allowing Alia’s natural beauty to shine.
Her makeup was glowing and dewy with polished brows, warm soft eyeshadow and pinky rose muted lip.
The hairstyle – curls framing her face and a slicked back updo – was vintage glam.
This heavenly look would foreshadow what turned out to be an incredible Cannes debut.
Retro Reverie: Channeling Audrey Hepburn in Gucci
Alia brought the nostalgia for her second appearance in this cherub yellow Gucci co-ord set.
The co-ord set with the scarf neatly tucked away, reminded the look of Audrey Hepburn with a fresh, modern take on her style.
Her makeup had the retro vibes too – cheek highlights, feathered brows, long lashes and a red lip that shone bright against the yellow.
This look combined Old Hollywood elegance and modern touches.
Crystal Dreams: Armani Privé at the ‘Lights on Women’s Worth’ Event
At a recent ‘Lights on Women’s Worth’ event,’ Alia made an entrance in a navy blue, off-shoulder gown by Armani Privé, decorated with sapphire crystals that glimmered under the Riviera lights.
Her decision to wear no makeup and allow her skin to glow naturally was daring; and let me tell you, her skin was gorgeous.
Her hair was done sleek into a low bun, and the only jewelry she wore was a diamond and sapphire headpiece that complimented the look.
The final product was pure class with a strong message: less is more.
A Historic Finale: Gucci’s First-Ever Saree
Alia closed Cannes 2025 in an incredible piece—the first-ever saree by Gucci. It was more than a fashion moment, it was a cultural moment for South Asian representation in film and fashion. This nude-toned saree embellished with Swarovski shimmered in the sun and the spotlight.
Design Highlights
- Color & Fabric: Nude-tone base, covered in sequins and crystals that shimmered at every turn.
- Monogram & Embellishments: Gucci’s iconic GG monogram was subtly stitched across the fabric for an instantly luxurious feel.
- Silhouette: The saree featured a sleeveless, backless blouse with a plunging neckline. A straight skirt and palla-style drape created a contemporary yet respectful nod to Indian tradition.
- Accessories: Alia carried a silver mini Jackie handbag and wore a delicate diamond necklace, ensuring nothing overpowered the outfit.
- Hair & Makeup: Styled in soft Old Hollywood waves, her makeup was bold yet balanced, with glowing skin and neutral lips.
Behind the Scenes: When the Power Went Out
While she looked amazing, getting her to that point was by no means a straightforward journey. In an unfiltered video shared with Vogue, Alia explained that her hotel had lost power for four hours on the day of the closing ceremony.
Her team remained calm amid the drama.
The crew used daylight to get ready, hand-typing, sewing, and using literally every tools they had on hand.
Alia emerged on the red carpet beaming with confidence and did us all a favour by reminding us that elegance is more than dresses, it’s about being composed.
Cultural Impact and Fashion Legacy
Though Alia’s decision to close Cannes in a saree—a dress from an Italian luxury house in everyone’s mind—was merely a sartorial decision, it was a moment of cultural impact and celebration.
While Gucci had dubbed it a “custom gown,” Alia and, stylist Rhea Kapoor, made sure to note that it was a saree and that it was wholly with an Indian sensibility.
Twitter erupted in a frenzy burning the midnight oil on what the outfit was title classified as, but one thing was for sure; Indian couture in one form or another was now firmly established on the global fashion mat!
Alia Bhatt: The New Face of Global Glamour
Although her Cannes 2025 debut was a personal victory for Alia Bhatt, it was also a change in the narrative of fashion.
Her looks, planned and curated with stylist Rhea Kapoor, told a story of variety, confidence and cultural pride.
Whether it be in the unembellished aesthetic of Schiaparelli or the glistening ingenuity of Gucci, Alia did not just wear the clothes-she made them a statement.
Each look reaffirmed her growing stature not only as a Bollywood actress but as a fashion influencer with global appeal.
Conclusion: A Star is Crowned
As the dust settled on the 78th Cannes Film Festival, one takeaway remained clear—Alia Bhatt didn’t just show up; she conquered. She squeezed every style, she owned every step, and with that, she left the world transfixed and begging for more.
