The 77th Cannes Film Festival has come to a close, with India winning big at the film festival and on the red carpet.
With ‘As We Imagine As Light’ winning the prestigious Grand Prix award, and actor Anasuya Sengupta bagging Best Actress for The Shameless, the film festival saw some big wins in fashion. With celebrities winning over the internet with their red carpet looks, every style showcased ahead of the film screening was celebrated.
This year, there were six Indian designers who dressed international celebrities such as actor Meryl Streep, singer Kelly Rowland, actor-director Catrine Marlon, and models including Paola Turani, Nataline Vertiz, Josephine Skriver, Mirka Oktavia Hendro and Valeriya Hjertenaes in their creations.
From couture gowns redefining Indian heritage to statement jewellery designs, each creation celebrated Indian craftsmanship created by the biggest names in the world of fashion including Anamika Khanna, Gaurav Gupta, Hanut Singh, Manish Malhotra, Rahul Mishra and Sanjukta Dutta. Here’s looking back at who wore what at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
Celebrity: Meryl Streep
Designer: Hanut Singh Jewellery
Veteran actor Meryl Streep received the Palme d’ or Lifetime Achievement award at the opening ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, the Mamma Mia! actor graced the red carpet wearing Hanut Singh Jewellery’s signature pendant earrings. Known for crafting designs inspired by Indian heritage, the earrings complemented Meryl’s timeless style. Elated to see Meryl adorn his creation, Hanut Singh took to Instagram to share his thoughts. He said, “It happened with the one and only superstar Meryl Streep, winning her Lifetime Achievement Award @festivaldecannes wearing my pendant earrings! So absolutely thrilled and a pinch me moment.” He further went on to thank Meryl’s stylist Micaela Erlanger and Fred Leighton for the placement.
Celebrity: Kelly Rowland
Designer: Anamika Khanna
At the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Kelly Rowland graced the red carpet in a stunning crimson couture gown by the renowned designer Anamika Khanna. This off-shoulder masterpiece features exquisite drapes and a flowing chiffon material that epitomises elegance and grace. The gown’s intricate draping style accentuates Kelly’s silhouette, embodying the timeless sophistication that Khanna is celebrated for. “I want to create pieces you take out after 25 years and style up and re-wear. That is my idea of sustainability. Somewhere consciously done and somewhere automatically,” Anamika Khanna explains, reflecting her philosophy of enduring fashion.
Inspired by the essence of timelessness and powerful femininity, this gown is a testament to both the designer’s vision and Kelly Rowland’s commanding presence. Known for her multifaceted career as a singer, actress, and producer, Kelly epitomises the empowered woman that Khanna loves to dress. Recently, Kelly starred in and produced the movie ‘Mea Culpa,’ further solidifying her role as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. This collaboration between the iconic designer and the celebrated artist underscores a shared celebration of strength, elegance, and enduring style.
Celebrity: Kelly Rowland
Designer: Gaurav Gupta
Off the red carpet Kelly Rowland wore Gaurav Gupta Couture twice. For an evening event at Cannes, Kelly wore the iconic Mudra cast metal bralet and jersey drape cape, which was a key look from the Paris Couture Week SS’24, Aarohanam presentation. The drape boasts gold hand motifs that elegantly enhance the silhouette, complemented by the matte black jersey. Introducing metal casting for the first time in this collection, the couturier brings a sense of opulence, reflecting exceptional craftsmanship. The Mudra motif, representing symbolic hand gestures in Indian culture, adds an element of traditional significance to the ensemble.
Kelly Rowland, also wore Gaurav Gupta Couture for the Amfar Gala 2024 at Cannes. She wore the neon green sculpted top and skirt from the brands Hiranyagarbha, Paris Couture Week AW’23 presentation. The fitted skirt and micro top adorned with the brands signature sculpting detail were accentuated with bugle beads and crystal embroidery to contour the figure. Kelly beautifully carries the contemporary silhouette and colour effortlessly, showcasing her true playful personality.
Couturier Gaurav Gupta, says “Kelly is playful, experimental, elevated and constantly tries to push her boundaries. We loved working with her this season at Cannes. She elegantly carried two Indian inspired outfits to Cannes, a beautiful ode to the brands DNA. From the Mudra cast metal bralet to the Lehenga inspired silhouette”
Celebrities: Josephine Skriver and Natalie Vertiz
Designer: Manish Malhotra
Couturier Manish Malhotra’s ensembles have always made an impact globally, with celebrities adorning his culturally rich ensembles. Globally appealing and rooted in Indian heritage, Manish Malhotra had two celebrity models adorn his couture designs.
Victoria’s Secret Supermodel Josephine Skriver looked stunning in a Manish Malhotra ivory pearl gown with intricate embellished detailing and lace edging on the 77th Cannes Film Festival 2024 red carpet.
Similarly, stealing the show in a dazzling red ensemble was Miss Peru 2011, Natalie Vertiz who looked radiant in a Bombay Bordeaux red gown, perfected over 1700 hours, adorned with Swarovski and a 2.5 metre trail.
Celebrity: Paola Turani
Designer: Rahul Mishra
Italian model Paola Turani was styled in a statement couture piece designed by Rahul Mishra. The hand embroidered ‘The Marvel’ snake sequin corset dress from the Couture Spring 2024 collection, Superheroes. The Superheroes collection which was showcased at Paris Haute Couture Week 2024 draws attention to the nuances of sharing life with species of reptiles and insects that share the environment with us.
Celebrities: Mirka Oktavia Hendro and Valeriya Hjertenaes
Designer: Sanjukta Dutta
Making her red carpet debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, fashion designer Sanjukta Dutta walked the red carpet along with her muses models Mirka Oktavia Hendro and Valeriya Hjertenaes. Both the models adorned couture gowns inspired by the traditional Mekhela Chador. Taking to Instagram, Sanjukta expressed her happiness for making her debut at the film festival, she said, “It’s a divine feeling beyond expression to be a part of the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Mirka and Valeria you made my day so stunningly beautiful. Extremely humbled to walk on the red carpet in an Assamese Mekhela chador. Dear God, don’t know how to thank you for all your blessings.”