The much anticipated Cannes Film Festival begins and the whole world is watching excitedly as some of the best in the filmmaking world gather at the French port town. Coinciding with the same month that Indian cinema celebrated its centenary, Bollywood is basking in the invitation that was sent out to them by the festival (entry to the festival is by invite only). And while till a few years ago Aiswarya Rai Bachchan stole the limelight as one the few Indians being invited to the prestigious festival (either as jury member or brand ambassador), this year has a few surprises like Nawazuddin Siddique, who has three of his films being screened under three separate categories, and Vidya Balan who will debut at the festival as a jury member.
The world will however be watching for more than just the movies; Cannes has a legacy of fashion that struts the ramp. It’s France, so of course the couture is at a completely different level. Though not exactly beating the Oscars, the Cannes Film Festival presents an interesting mix of trendy beach-wear with formal red carpet glitz, and we’re waiting to see how ‘apna’ stars will make a statement.
Aiswarya Rai Bachchan made heads turn with her choices in the past few years – these included a nude embroidered Elie Saab off shoulder, an Armani Privé white and midnight blue dress with a strong geometric cut that really caught quite a few by surprise (Ash is known more for her sober choices on the international red carpet), and of course there was last year’s sartorial gold and cream lehenga designed Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla.
Sonam Kapoor’s Jean Paul Gaultier’s white and grey net gown however blew the former beauty queen right out of the water. Looking every inch the fashionista, Sonam’s outfit was perfectly complemented by her make up.
Frieda Pinto also had her moments – dressed demurely in a pink satin Michael Angel and a neon yellow Atelier Versace peplum.
This year however, Vidya Balan has started the ball rolling with her appearance at a cocktail party in a deep maroon Sabyasachi lehenga. Before leaving for Cannes, the actress professed that her wardrobe for the festival was least on her mind and would most probably stick to Indian outfits to make a fashion statement. Always seen in sarees over here, one may have thought that the French event might nudge her to try something different. But the elegant style quotient of the outfit, teamed with classic jhumkas can hardly be argued with.
With Sonam returning to the festival as brand ambassador to L’Oreal, Aiswarya Rai Bachchan’s daughter speculated to be joining mommy dearest on the red carpet and Vidya Balan holding the coveted jury member position, we can’t wait to see what else the ladies have packed in their suitcases!
However, let’s not forget, sarees on the red carpet have always been there. Cannes regular Nandita Das put on the map by being most always dressed in a simple Kanjeevaram silk saree.