It may have taken place in the South of France, but Bollywood ruled the carpet at Cannes 2018. The prestigious film festival, which ran from May 8 to 19, featured all the glitz and glamour of a usual red carpet event – albeit with shorter hemlines, more dramatic fits and deeper plunging necklines (looks that fit right in with the aesthetic of the festival).
Forget Kendall Jenner and her see-through gowns, South Asian actresses Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (who brought along her adorable daughter Aaradhya!) stood out among the crowd, wowing Bollywood fans and new fans alike with their gorgeous gowns and ensembles, many of which featured the saturated colours and intricate designs often found in sarees and other pieces of South Asian ethnic wear.
Below, we’ve shared five of our favourite looks from the Cannes red carpet, guaranteed to inspire you for your next jaunt abroad (fingers crossed for the South of France)!
Deepika Padukone in Ashi Studio
By far the standout of the festival was Padukone’s gorgeous hot pink ruffled gown by Lebanese brand Ashi Studio. The designer –based in Beirut - is known for his sharp cuts and intricate details, creating elegant and timeless pieces like Padukone’s. We told you pink was in.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Michael Cinco
Another showstopper, this time from Mrs. B (who made her Instagram debut during the festival). This look like has it all, seriously. The vivid colours and intricate design (have you seen that train!!) make it look as if she’s a butterfly going in to flight. And with this gown, she really is taking off – into our books as a style icon.
Deepika Padukone in TOME NYC
A more laid back look for events, this candy-striped number by American brand TOME NYC is inspired by art (and reflects the gorgeous colours of the Mediterranean). The wide, bell-sleeves offer some drama to a otherwise streamlined dress, and the look could definitely be taken from the red carpet to the streets with a change of shoes!
Mallika Sherawat in Tony Ward Couture
Making the first of her two carpet appearances, actress Mallika Sherawat stunned in this lilac gown by Tony Ward Couture. The soft colour and petal-like detailing are a softer, romantic take against some of the more bold choices on the carpet. And who doesn’t like a change of pace?
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Off the carpet, Bachchan stunned in a black power suit, offset with a bold red lip, showing us that you don’t need a gown to make a statement (and have you seen those shoes?!).
