Bollywood's next queen and rising international sensation Alia Bhatt finally arrived at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in 2025, and boy, was it a showstopper. As a recently-minted L'Oréal Paris brand representative, Alia's journey to the French Riviera had fans and fashion enthusiasts around the world abuzz. She was spotted leaving the Mumbai airport on early Friday morning wearing head-to-toe Gucci that screamed excess and predicted excess that followed. Alia even threw us a sneak peek of her preparations on Instagram by sharing a photo of her Louis Vuitton luggage packed with items one has to pack—lunch, book, etc.—such as Atomic Habits by James Clear—is simply titled as, "Off we go." Her arrival in Cannes was the beginning of an Indian heritage-infused haute couture phenomenon that overpowered the world.
Throughout the festival, Alia killed three different looks, each of them painstakingly planned out by Rhea Kapoor. From vintage-era chic glamour to edge-of-the-curve cultural statements, her looks were a testament to her evolving as an international fashion superstar. Let's dive into the deconstruction of her Cannes 2025 wardrobe.
Image Source: Instagram
Look 1: Vintage-Inspired Schiaparelli Gown
Alia's first red carpet look was absolute magic. She dressed in a retro-glam Schiaparelli Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture. The soft floral beauty was
all vintage glamour. The off-the-shoulder gown was adorned with intricate embroidery, ruffle trim, a plunge of an extravagant neckline, and the corseted silhouette highlighted her body. The lovely bodice detail was a royal touch, a show-stopper. The gown took center stage, and Alia accessorized with nude jewelry—Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas earrings and a pear-shaped diamond ring. Her stunning makeup included a dewy base, light peach blush, and nude gloss lips that completed the look.
What propelled this look into another league was a subtle cultural touch: a kaala teeka, an Indian evil-eye protective mark. It was a subtle move that seasoned audience members, who loved Alia for weaving in her heritage into a high-fashion look, warmed up to. Social media erupted with admiration, most calling it an excellent blend of tradition and glamour.
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Look 2: Bejeweled Armani Prive Gown
For her second red carpet appearance, Alia walked the red carpet for a celebration of women directors in a jaw-dropping blue bejeweled dress from Giorgio Armani Prive's Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The strapless gem weighed her figure with thousands of crystals but fit her contours as a second skin and had a show-stopping V-deep back. The intricate embroidery glittered under Cannes lights, giving a starry night sky feeling. A coordinating headband gave a touch of the heavenly, and dainty accessories—a small diamond earrings pair and a single diamond ring—did not take away from the gown. A no-makeup, clean-skin look rounded out the otherworldly feel of the ensemble.
Beyond its visual impact, this look carried deeper meaning. The event celebrated women in cinema, and Alia’s presence underscored her commitment to supporting female voices in the industry. Fashion aside, it was a powerful moment of representation, aligning perfectly with the evening’s theme.
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Look 3: Gucci’s First-Ever Saree-Inspired Ensemble
Alia saved her most iconic look for the closing ceremony: Gucci’s first-ever bespoke saree-inspired outfit. This vintage look—Indian heritage blended with Italian luxury—came with a custom-made three-piece look for her. Sleeveless, backless blouse with deep, floor-sweeping gown, plunging neckline, a look that sparkled with Swarovski crystals in the Italian fashion house's signature GG monogram print. A pallu-style drapery draped elegantly off her shoulder, incorporating saree detail into the streamlined contemporary line. She had on a Gucci diamond choker, matching earrings, and crystal-encrusted mini Jackie bag.
This outfit wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a cultural milestone. Gucci’s debut interpretation of the saree, a symbol of Indian elegance, marked a bold step in global fashion. Fans and critics on social media hailed Alia as a "global fashion icon," celebrating her for bridging cultures on such a prestigious stage. The look solidified her reputation as a trailblazer, effortlessly merging heritage with haute couture.
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Alia's Cannes 2025 Looks: The Impact
Alia Bhatt's 2025 Cannes line was a lesson in vision and imagination. Every look—whether it was the retro glamour of the Schiaparelli gown, the heavenly glow of the Armani Prive or the cultural wave of the Gucci saree—showcased how she managed to break rules without losing her roots. It was not about glamour for her; it was about Indian craftsmanship and the growing power of Indian fashion worldwide.
Social media was all agog with admiration, the public declaring her "queen of the red carpet" and the critics hailing her look as one of the festival's best. The kaala teeka and saree-like drape imparted a distinctive touch, and she was admired for authenticity and panache.
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Looking Ahead
Alia's Cannes debut is a defining moment in her fashion life, establishing her as a world star. With future projects like Alpha and Love and War by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, she is only becoming more powerful. Her 2025 Cannes appearances were a resplendent combination of sophistication, heritage, and innovation—testimony that Alia Bhatt is not going anywhere, captivating the world one red carpet at a time.