Bollywood’s sweetheart has gone global—again. This year, Alia Bhatt made her long-awaited debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, and it was everything fans hoped for and more. Alia delivered a striking combination of high fashion, cultural pride, and natural grace with every appearance. Whether it was a delicate couture gown or a bold sari-inspired ensemble, her presence lit up the Croisette.
Here’s a closer look at everything that made her Cannes debut a moment to remember.
Day One: A Schiaparelli Showstopper and a Nod to Heritage
Alia Bhatt made her first official red carpet appearance at the opening ceremony of the festival, and after that moment, fashion critics are still buzzing. She wore an otherworldly and fabulously sophisticated Schiaparelli couture dress in nude ivory, from the Spring/Summer 2025 collection entitled “Icarus.”
The design featured an off-the-shoulder neckline, sculpted corsetry, and charming floral appliqué details which created the illusion of flower petals blooming across her skin. It hugged her silhouette precisely the way a couture dress should, and yet there was a softness about it that mirrored her gentle presence on-screen.
But, the moment that garnered all of the headlines was not just the gown, but her “kaala teeka.” A small black dot in the vicinity of her cheek, the kaala teeka (Kala Tikka) is a traditional Indian mark placed near one’s eye to ward off the evil eye. Her choice to wear it for an international audience garnered accolades for proudly combining tradition and glamour.
Social media exploded with comments such as:
“Only Alia could bring Indian rituals to Cannes and make it look that chic.”
“Our desi girl #slaying with that kaala teeka. Roots and runway on both sides.”
It was understated, authentic, and deeply personal.
Day Two: Armani Privé and 1920s Glamour
On Day Two, Alia attended the L’Oréal Paris “Lights on Women’s Worth” event. As the global ambassador for the brand, she represented India when she wore a navy Armani Privé gown, adorned with thousands of tiny beads and crystals. After basic details on the strapless dress, corseted bodice and the sweeping train, we get to what really got me: her accessories.
Alia accessorized the gown with a beaded cap, like from the flapper era of the 1920s. The vintage inspiration created such a fun twist to an otherwise modern outfit that it was one of the top looks of the night.
Fashion sites that had the honor to write about the events, such as Vogue India and Elle, called it “a bold throwback that still felt fresh,” while Harper’s Bazaar complimented her “ability to balance high fashion with subtle storytelling.”
Alia’s hair was styled back in a clean bun, and the makeup was kept minimal, and the result was stunning. Sometimes, less is more!
Gucci Glory: A Saree Reimagined
Undoubtedly her most recognizable look of the whole festival took place at the Cannes 2025 closing ceremony, during which, Alia walked the red carpet in a custom Gucci outfit based on the Indian saree.
It wasn’t simply an outfit—it was a moment in fashion history.
The custom-made piece featured a plunging blouse, a body-hugging skirt, and a crystal-encrusted dupatta draped from her shoulder like a pallu. The fabric was beige with a sea of sparkling Swarovski crystal embellishments and included the Gucci GG monogram, combining Indian heritage with Italian luxury.
What made the piece even more historic? This is the first ever saree-inspired piece by Gucci, made exclusively for their global ambassador—Alia Bhatt.
Fashion journalist Meghna Sharma wrote;
“This look was not just couture, it was cultural diplomacy through fashion. It told the story of legacy, luxury and womanhood.”
A fashion blunder turned into a lesson in poise, At the end ceremony, just as the camera was flashing, and fans were screaming, Alia had a little fashion kerfuffle – in that her necklace started to slip off her neck without her knowing it while she was walking.
For many, this could have resulted in a very awkward moment, but not for Alia. In a matter of seconds, Alia, with real poise, simply reached for the necklace, held it in place, smiled, and went on posing for the camera like absolutely nothing was happening.
The clips of Alia’s accident quickly made their way around the world, with many fans praising her deep sense of calm. One tweet, in particular, summarized it all:
“Poise under pressure. Grace in chaos. Alia Bhatt just taught a masterclass in being unbothered and iconic.”
Off-Duty Chic: Yellow Gucci & Selfie Buzz
When she was off the red carpet, Alia wore the yellow Gucci co-ord set that is giving sunshine on the French Riviera—a fabulous ensemble of crop, pencil skirt, 3-quarter sleeve jacket, a lovely floral headscarf, and vintage sunglasses. This off-duty fit was included in the collections of many various media outlets to share as a fan favorite and ultimately made its rounds on Instagram, oh to capture the glam yet casual appeal of luxury.
We are sure you all saw the viral selfie that Alia took with Urvashi Rautela, where she posed in front of from a screen that read “Like Jennie” directly behind Alia. This reference to fans that they allocated to BLACKPINKs’ Jennie was very joyous cross-fandom mash. K-pop stans, Bollywood fans, and Fashionistas, united in a frenzy.
“Alia x Jennie crossover when??”
“Bollywood x K-pop and we here for it.”
Cultural Impact and Global Reach
Alia Bhatt’s presence at Cannes 2025 stated more than her individual style or designer names. It represented a bigger reality— India’s influence on global fashion, beauty, and cinema that can no longer be ignored.
The looks that Alia created or chose, represented what it means to collectively represent India on a global platform, she embodied herself in garments that made sense to her identity, she created space for cultural markers like the kaala teeka and saree, and she provided visibility to the fact that there are so many narratives for contemporary Indian women.
From the red carpet to candid selfies, from traditional touches to couture masterpieces, Alia Bhatt’s Cannes 2025 debut was not only a fashion success but also a cultural statement. She represented India with dignity, creativity, and unwavering confidence and left a promising impression to audiences worldwide.
If this is only the beginning of her international fashion journeys, we cannot wait to see what she wears—and says—next.
Stay tuned to Club4Celebs for more updates.
