Alia Bhatt made a sensational debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2025, captivating the global stage with two show-stopping looks and a heartwarming moment with Bridgerton star Simone Ashley. Representing L’Oréal Paris, Alia’s appearances for the premiere of The Mastermind and the Lights On Women Award ceremony showcased her as a fashion powerhouse, blending Bollywood glamour with international couture. From a custom Schiaparelli gown to a 1920s-inspired Armani Privé flapper look, her style choices were iconic, while her red carpet chemistry with Simone Ashley became a viral sensation. Here’s a detailed dive into her looks, the viral moment, and what’s next for Alia, brought to you by Chai and Churan!Look 1: Custom Schiaparelli Gown – A Red Carpet Triumph
Alia’s Cannes debut at the premiere of The Mastermind was a moment of pure elegance in a custom Schiaparelli gown from Daniel Roseberry’s Spring 2025 couture collection, titled Icarus. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the off-shoulder, nude-toned bodycon gown featured delicate ecru Chantilly lace, enamel flower embroidery, and organza appliqués, culminating in a mermaid silhouette with a layered tulle train of ivory mousseline, crepeline, and ruffled tulle. Vogue India described it as “a romantic dream,” while The Hindu praised its “ethereal craftsmanship.”
Her beauty look, crafted by makeup artist Puneet B Saini, embraced minimalism with dewy skin, rosy blush, glossy nude lips, and peachy eyeshadow. Despite hairstylist Amit Thakur losing his kit, he created a sleek bun accented with gelled baby hair curls framing her forehead, adding a modern edge. Alia accessorized with pearl and diamond studs from Birdhichand Jewellers and a pear-shaped diamond ring, keeping the focus on the gown. Her confident wave and flying kisses to the paparazzi, captured by News18, sparked a frenzy, with X posts calling her “Cannes’ new queen” (@NewsX). Fans compared her look to Mallika Sherawat’s 2017 Georges Hobeika gown, noting a “same but different” vibe, per India Forums.Viral Moment with Simone Ashley: A Global Sisterhood
Alia’s red carpet walk for L’Oréal Paris alongside Simone Ashley, the Bridgerton star representing the UK, was a highlight of Cannes 2025. The duo posed in front of the L’Oréal backdrop, their warm smiles and mutual admiration lighting up a viral video. Simone, radiant in a sculpted white Vivienne Westwood gown with pleated accents, gazed at Alia with affection, followed by shared laughter that melted hearts. Times of India called it a “wholesome red carpet moment,” while News18 noted their “magnetic chemistry.”
Fans on X dubbed it a “Shanaya meets Kate” crossover, referencing Alia’s Student of the Year role and Simone’s Bridgerton character, with posts like “This is sisterhood goals!” (@BollyTellyBuzz). The moment, rooted in their shared Indian heritage, symbolized solidarity among global beauty icons, earning praise from NDTV as a “cross-cultural win.” The video amassed millions of views, cementing Alia and Simone as Cannes’ most memorable duo.Look 2: Armani Privé Flapper Girl – Retro Glamour Reimagined
For her second appearance at the L’Oréal Paris Lights On Women Award ceremony, Alia channeled 1920s Flapper Girl energy in a custom Armani Privé gown, joining stars like Viola Davis and Elle Fanning. The off-shoulder, bejewelled gown featured a glittering bodice with a metallic chainmail texture in sapphire tones, embodying the era’s rebellious spirit. Its structured silhouette and bejewelled neckline with blue stones balanced drama and elegance, per India Forums. A bold art-deco headwear piece cascaded over her right ear, evoking royal vintage vibes, as Hindustan Times reported.
Her hair, styled in retro finger waves with a side part and a subtle sparkling accessory, amplified the Old Hollywood charm. Makeup remained minimalist—glowy skin, bold blush, soft nude lips, and feathered brows—ensuring the gown’s sparkle took center stage. Newsbytes called it a “tribute to freedom and individuality,” while X posts raved, “Alia’s Flapper look is iconic!” (@mannkidori). Dedicated to L’Oréal’s initiative for female filmmakers, the look underscored Alia’s advocacy for women in cinema.What’s Next for Alia Bhatt?
Alia’s Cannes debut is a prelude to a blockbuster lineup. She stars in YRF’s action thriller Alpha alongside Sharvari, stepping into the spy universe as a fierce agent. She’s also cast in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic romance Love & War with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, set for release on March 20, 2026, per Times of India. Her Cannes appearance for L’Oréal’s Lights On Women Award further highlighted her commitment to empowering women in film, positioning her as a global influencer.Why This Moment Mattered
Alia Bhatt’s Cannes 2025 debut was a landmark for Bollywood, merging Indian charisma with global couture. Her Schiaparelli gown radiated romantic elegance, while the Armani Privé Flapper look revived 1920s glamour with modern flair. The viral moment with Simone Ashley, showcasing cross-cultural unity, resonated worldwide, earning praise as a “heartwarming highlight” from Bollywood Life. Despite rumors of skipping Cannes due to India-Pakistan tensions, Alia’s poised presence proved her mettle, per The Hindu. Vogue India summed it up: “Alia’s debut redefined Bollywood’s global footprint.” Which look or moment stole your heart? Share in the comments, and watch Chai and Churan’s video feature for more!