Aishwarya Rai’s Bold Cannes 2024 Look Divides Fans
Reported by Riya Garg
Aishwarya Rai, often hailed as the queen of the Cannes Film Festival, made headlines with her day one outfit this year, though not for the usual reasons. Despite the buzz, her choice of attire didn’t win everyone over. Dressed by her friends, designers Falguni and Shane Peacock, Aishwarya stepped out in a striking black and gold gown featuring stiff fabric, puffy white sleeves, and a cape adorned with golden flowers. While Aishwarya described the look as “magical,” many fans found it overly dramatic and disappointing.
Social media was abuzz with mixed reactions. For two days, Twitter and Instagram were flooded with negative reviews of her outfit, with fans suggesting she try different stylists. Comments ranged from, “You should give a chance to other stylists, other than your friends,” to “Girl, they are NOT your friends dressing you in that.”
In an interview with Vogue, Aishwarya shared her affection for the gown, calling it a “gilded glow.” She also discussed her makeup and expressed admiration for all women, celebrating their iconic beauty.
Aishwarya represents the cosmetics brand L’Oreal at Cannes, where several Indian films are making waves this year. Highlights include Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light”, competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or, and Sandhya Suri’s “Santosh”, showcased in the Un Certain Regard section. Additionally, the FTII student film “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” is competing in the La Cinef section, and Karan Kandhari’s “Sister Midnight” will be screened in Directors’ Fortnight. Maisam Ali’s “In Retreat” is featured in L’Acid, and a restored version of Shyam Benegal’s 1976 classic “Manthan” was also shown under Cannes Classics, celebrating cinematic history with restored prints and documentaries.
Despite the fashion controversy, Aishwarya remains a beloved figure at Cannes, continuing to make a statement on the global stage.
