On May 21, 2025, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan cemented her status as Bollywood’s undisputed Cannes queen with a breathtaking appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Draped in a handwoven Kadwa Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra, paired with over 500 carats of Mozambique ruby and diamond jewellery, Aishwarya’s look was a powerful tribute to Indian craftsmanship and a bold statement of modern couture. Representing L’Oréal Paris and gracing the red carpet for the screening of Oh, Canada in the Competition section, her ensemble redefined the saree as a global fashion icon. Here’s the full breakdown of her fashion highlights, styling details, and why this moment was a landmark for Indian heritage at Cannes 2025!
The Saree: A Kadwa Banarasi Triumph
Aishwarya’s outfit was a custom Manish Malhotra creation, rooted in the ancient Banarasi weaving tradition. The handwoven Kadwa Banarasi saree blended ivory, rose gold, and silver tones, crafted using the intricate Kadwa brocade technique from Varanasi. Known for its use of multiple shuttles to weave each motif separately, this method showcased unparalleled skill, with handwoven brocade motifs and hand-embroidered zari detailing in real chandi (silver). The saree’s opulent texture and luminous palette exuded ceremonial grandeur, yet its modern drape made it a standout on the global stage.
Complementing the saree was a sheer white tissue dupatta, handwoven with real gold and silver zardozi embroidery, adding a delicate, regal layer. Vogue India hailed it as “a love letter to Indian textiles,” while The Indian Express noted its “modern maharani vibe.” The ensemble wasn’t just nostalgic—it reimagined the saree as power dressing, aligning with the Make in India and handloom revival movements. Aishwarya’s choice to wear Banarasi at Cannes, as Hindustan Times reported, sparked global praise for elevating Indian craftsmanship to haute couture status.
The Jewellery: Imperial Heirlooms in 500 Carats
Aishwarya’s look was elevated by Manish Malhotra High Jewellery, featuring over 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds set in 18k gold. The cascading necklaces and ruby statement rings evoked the grandeur of royal heirlooms, with intricate designs that mirrored the saree’s ceremonial richness. Elle India described the jewellery as “a masterclass in opulence,” noting how the rubies’ deep red hues contrasted the saree’s soft palette, creating a harmonious yet striking effect. Styled to perfection, the pieces underscored Aishwarya’s regal authority, making her a vision of tradition meets global sophistication.
Fans on X were in awe, with posts like “Aishwarya’s jewellery is pure royalty” (@BollywoodBubble) and “500 carats of slaying Cannes!” (@HTLifeStyle). The jewellery’s ceremonial vibe aligned with the saree’s narrative of ritual and reflection, reinforcing Aishwarya’s role as a cultural ambassador for Indian heritage.
Styling and Team: Crafting a Global Icon
The look was meticulously curated by Aishwarya’s styling team, led by @alliaandnayaab, who ensured every detail screamed couture. Makeup by @kavyesharmaofficial featured a bold red lip, winged eyeliner, and subtle blush, channeling Aishwarya’s signature glamour while complementing the saree’s soft tones. Hair, styled by @stephanelancien, was swept into a sleek updo, letting the dupatta and jewellery shine. The iconic balcony shoot at Hotel Martinez, captured by @palshkov, went viral, with Pinkvilla calling it “a moment etched in Cannes history.” Managed by @archsda, Aishwarya’s team executed a flawless blend of heritage and high fashion.
The conceptual themes—Indian craftsmanship, modern power dressing, and the purity of ivory—were deliberate. Times of India noted that Aishwarya’s look was “not just fashion but a narrative of India’s textile legacy,” while X posts praised her for “making sarees global” (@IndiaToday). Her ensemble stood out against Cannes’ typical gowns, proving the saree’s versatility as a red carpet statement.
Bollywood Fashion Insight: A Cultural Milestone
Aishwarya’s Cannes 2025 appearance was a masterstroke in Bollywood fashion, rooted in the Banarasi saree tradition celebrated for its opulence. The use of real chandi zari and zardozi embroidery elevated the look to couture-grade, while the heirloom-style jewellery added regal authority. This wasn’t just a red carpet moment—it was a nod to the Make in India movement, showcasing sustainable handlooms on a global stage. As The Hindu reported, Aishwarya’s choice reflected a shift in Bollywood towards contemporary interpretations of tradition, positioning Indian fashion as a rival to Western couture.
Her 23rd Cannes appearance reaffirmed her as the festival’s undisputed icon, with Forbes India dubbing her “India’s red carpet royalty.” Unlike her 2022 Gaurav Gupta gown or 2023 Sophie Couture drama, 2025’s look was deeply rooted in Indian identity, earning praise from fans and critics alike. X posts like “Aishwarya owns Cannes, always” (@CNNNews18) and “Banarasi queen!” (@Filmfare) flooded timelines, while NDTV noted her outshining global stars like Bella Hadid and Anya Taylor-Joy.
Why This Moment Mattered
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes 2025 look was more than fashion—it was a cultural triumph. By choosing a Kadwa Banarasi saree and Manish Malhotra’s heirloom jewellery, she celebrated India’s textile heritage while redefining the saree as a global couture piece. Her ability to blend ritual, reflection, and modern elegance resonated worldwide, sparking conversations about sustainability and craftsmanship. With her poised walk for Oh, Canada and viral balcony shoot, Aishwarya proved why she remains Bollywood’s global ambassador.
Which detail of Aishwarya’s look stole your heart? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and check out Chai and Churan’s video feature below for the full Cannes 2025 fashion breakdown!