Alia Bhatt made a sensational first appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, stepping onto the red carpet for the closing ceremony as a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. The actor turned heads in a custom-designed Gucci saree that marked the luxury label’s first-ever foray into the traditional Indian silhouette.
Gucci’s first custom saree
Crafted exclusively for Alia, the bespoke Gucci saree shimmered in silver, richly embellished with crystal detailing and the brand’s signature GG monogram. It was a bold reinterpretation of the classic saree, featuring a sleeveless, backless blouse with a deep neckline, a full-length skirt, and a draped palla over her shoulder. The silhouette was described by Alia as 'sexy, very minimal,' striking the perfect balance between elegance and edginess.
Adding to the modern touch was a chic, metallic silver mini Jackie bag from Gucci that complemented the look flawlessly. The ensemble stood out not just for its craftsmanship but for bridging Indian tradition with contemporary global style on one of fashion’s most celebrated stages.
A glam session full of chaos-and creative solutions
In a candid behind-the-scenes video shared by Vogue on May 26, Alia offered fans a glimpse into her whirlwind preparation for the big night. Speaking from her glam chair, she reflected on the unpredictable nature of live events. “The chaos always tends to find us,” she joked.
Her team faced a significant hiccup on the afternoon of May 24, just before the red carpet: a four-hour-long power outage. Despite the setback, her hairstylist Amit Thakur improvised by using sunlight to heat the hair tongs, styling her hair extensions manually. “We figured it out as we went,” Alia said, praising her team’s quick thinking and perseverance. “Now we’re just grateful the electricity came back in time.”
Nerves, excitement, and a touch of bollywood glamour
“Today is the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival 2025, and I am getting ready for the red carpet,” Alia shared in the five-minute feature. Describing herself as both “nervous” and “excited,” she admitted that she thrives in moments of organised chaos.
Her appearance marked a significant milestone-not just personally but also for Gucci and Indian representation on the global fashion stage. Alia’s Cannes debut was met with widespread praise, with fashion critics lauding the way she celebrated Indian culture with a global luxury twist.
Alia Bhatt’s red carpet moment at Cannes 2025 wasn’t just about fashion-it was about storytelling, adaptability, and cultural pride. From power outages to haute couture sarees, her debut embodied grace under pressure and solidified her position as a global fashion icon.
