Cannes [France]: The 78th Cannes Film Festival sparkled with an extra dose of glamour as Alia Bhatt made her much-anticipated debut on the French Riviera. The Bollywood superstar, attending as a brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, turned heads in a breathtaking custom-made Schiaparelli gown during a promotional event that also featured Simone Ashley, best known for her role in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
Alia’s off-shoulder gown, designed in ecru Chantilly lace and adorned with hand-embroidered organza and enamel flowers, was styled by Rhea Kapoor. She completed the look with a sleek bun accentuated by delicately styled edges and luminous makeup, perfectly blending classic elegance with contemporary charm.
Joining her at the L’Oréal photo call was Simone Ashley, who exuded sophistication in a classic Vivienne Westwood creation. A now-viral video of the two actresses warmly embracing and exchanging compliments has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, showcasing a cross-cultural celebration of talent and grace.
A Debut Worth the Wait
While Alia was initially slated to walk the red carpet during the opening ceremony, escalating India-Pakistan tensions led her to reschedule her travel. Her eventual arrival became one of the most anticipated moments of the festival.
Ahead of her red carpet appearance, Alia teased her fans with a monochrome Instagram Story featuring her holding a fan emblazoned with L’Oréal’s iconic slogan: “I’m worth it.”
Personal Style Meets Global Stage
Speaking at a press event earlier this year on her birthday, Alia had shared her excitement and nervousness about her Cannes debut:
“This is going to be my first year when I’m going to Cannes. So I’m very nervous and very excited. I’m trying out new makeup looks — I even did a tutorial earlier this year. My team now wants me to experiment with things I’ve never done, like blue or pink eyeshadow!”
Alia’s debut at Cannes marks another milestone in her expanding global footprint, following her success in Bollywood and recent forays into international cinema with Netflix’s Heart of Stone.