Alia Bhatt closed the 78th Cannes Film Festival with a show-stopping custom Gucci ensemble that ignited a fiery debate: is it a saree, a lehenga, or a gown? As L’Oréal Paris’ global brand ambassador, Alia’s appearance at the closing ceremony was a dazzling fusion of Indian heritage and Italian luxury, styled by Rhea Kapoor and drenched in Swarovski crystals with Gucci’s iconic GG monogram. Hailed by Vogue India as a “milestone” and sparking heated discussions on platforms like Diet Sabya, this look redefined global couture fashion. Here’s a deep dive into Alia’s iconic moment, the cultural significance, the saree vs. lehenga debate, and what netizens are saying, brought to you by Chai and Churan!
The Look: A Fusion of Heritage and Haute Couture
Alia’s custom Gucci creation, described by the brand as a “custom gown with embroidered crystals in a GG monogram pattern,” was a three-piece ensemble that captivated the red carpet. The outfit featured:
- Plunging Neckline Blouse: A sleeveless, backless halter-style bralette with a deep V-neck, adorned with Swarovski crystals in a metallic mesh-like GG monogram jaal, exuding modern drama
- High-Waisted Skirt: A fitted, floor-length skirt in a nude hue, designed to hug her silhouette, replacing traditional pleats with a sleek, tailored look
- Dupatta-Inspired Drape: A sheer, crystal-encrusted pallu draped over her right shoulder, forming a floor-sweeping train that added couture flair, resembling a saree’s flow.
Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the ensemble was accessorized minimally with a Gucci fine jewellery diamond choker, studded earrings set in platinum, and a Gucci Jackie handbag in silver leather with matching GG monogram crystals. Her beauty look, crafted by Puneet B Saini and Amit Thakur, featured soft, centre-parted waves, kohl-rimmed eyes, peachy-pink blush, and a glossy nude lip, evoking Old Hollywood glamour with a desi twist. Times of India called it a “cultural crossover,” while India Today praised its “heritage meets haute couture” vibe.
Saree, Lehenga, or Gown? The Great Debate
The ensemble’s silhouette sparked a global debate, with fashion enthusiasts and netizens divided over its classification:
- Saree? Fashion pages like Diet Sabya and Vogue India initially celebrated it as Gucci’s “first-ever saree,” citing its dupatta-like drape and Indian-inspired silhouette. Diet Sabya’s post called it a “sari-inspired moment” and a “reclamation” of Indian heritage (Hindustan Times). Fans on X echoed this, with posts like “Alia’s Gucci saree is iconic!” (@DESIblitz).
- Lehenga? Many netizens, including Instagram users on Diet Sabya’s post, argued it was a lehenga-choli with a dupatta, pointing to the fitted skirt and lack of traditional saree pleats. Comments like “It’s choli lehenga, not a saree!” and “Fish cut lehenga vibes” flooded social media (Hindustan Times). Fashion journalist Sujata Assmoul agreed, noting it “feels like a lehenga” (iDiva).
- Gown? Gucci’s official Instagram post labeled it a “custom Gucci gown,” avoiding saree or lehenga terminology, which stirred controversy. Fans criticized the brand for not acknowledging the Indian inspiration, with X posts stating, “It’s a saree, give credit to our culture!” (@CNNnews18). Others defended Gucci, arguing it was a couture reinterpretation (Times of India).
The debate, fueled by The Indian Express and iDiva, highlighted cultural representation in fashion. While some praised the fusion as a “bold move” (Pinkvilla), others jokingly remarked, “We could get this in Chandni Chowk for 5K!” (Indian Express). Rhea Kapoor called Alia a “modern rajkumari,” emphasizing the desi essence reimagined through a global lens (iDiva).
Cultural Significance: Indian Heritage Meets Italian Luxury
Alia’s look was more than fashion—it was a cultural milestone. As Gucci’s first global ambassador from India, her choice to wear a saree-inspired ensemble at Cannes’ closing ceremony symbolized the global embrace of Indian couture. Vogue India noted it as “an ode to Indian heritage,” while The Independent called it a “landmark for Indian representation.” The Swarovski crystals and GG monogram merged Gucci’s avant-garde flair with the timeless elegance of Indian drapes, crafted by artisans in a nod to India’s craftsmanship (Daijiworld).
The ensemble contrasted Alia’s earlier Cannes looks—a Schiaparelli nude gown for her debut and an Armani Privé flapper gown—showcasing her versatility (Vogue India). Her day look, a mustard yellow Gucci skirt set with a floral silk scarf and Bamboo 1947 handbag, channeled vintage Hollywood, further amplifying her fashion narrative (Bollywood Bubble). X posts praised her range, with fans saying, “Alia’s eating every look!” (@Bollyhungama). The saree-inspired outfit, however, stole the spotlight, with Outlook India declaring it “Cannes’ grand finale.
Netizens’ Reactions: Love, Critique, and Humor
The internet was divided yet captivated:
- Praise: Fans lauded Alia’s elegance, with X posts like “Alia’s Gucci saree is a cultural flex!” (@THRIndia_) and “She’s a global icon” (@CNBCTV18News). DNA India reported fans calling her a “queen,” while WION News noted the look’s viral impact.
- Critique: Some questioned the saree label, with comments like “It’s a lehenga, not a saree!” (@iamrana) and “Gucci’s gown terminology is lazy” (@CNNnews18). Others felt it lacked traditional authenticity, joking, “Is the saree in the room with us?” (Hindustan Times).
- Humor: Netizens added playful jabs, with Indian Express citing remarks like “Chandni Chowk could do this for less!” and X posts joking, “Gucci’s saree or a fancy dupatta?” (@e4mtweets).
Despite the debate, Alia’s poise and the outfit’s craftsmanship won over critics, with Mashable India calling it a “seamless fusion of heritage and high fashion.”
Why It’s a Fashion History Moment
Alia Bhatt’s Gucci ensemble at Cannes 2025 was a game-changer for global fashion. By introducing a saree-inspired silhouette to Gucci’s repertoire, Alia and Rhea Kapoor bridged Indian tradition with Italian luxury, setting a precedent for cultural collaborations. Free Press Journal compared it to Isha Ambani’s Schiaparelli saree, noting Western designers’ growing love for desi aesthetics. The look’s viral buzz, amplified by Diet Sabya and global media, underscored its impact, with NewsX hailing Alia as a “fashion trailblazer.” Her role as Gucci’s ambassador and L’Oréal Paris’ face added gravitas, making this a moment of Indian pride on the world stage.
What’s your verdict—saree, lehenga, or gown? Which detail of Alia’s look sparkled brightest for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t miss Chai and Churan’s video feature for the full scoop! Like, subscribe, and join the debate! #AliaBhatt #Gucci #Cannes2025