April 1, 2020

Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes Film Festival Top 10 Red Carpet Moments Since 2010

Aishwarya Rai 2010 'On Tour' Premiere in Armani Prive

When it comes to Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, we mostly see her once a year during Cannes Film Festival.

She has been a regular on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for 16 years now, and she was the first Indian actress to be a jury member at the 2003 festival, and in that same year she became a global brand ambassador for L’Oreal.

Since the festival has been cancelled this year, here is a look at my top 10 looks from 2010 in order of date, rather than preference.

2010: ‘On Tour’ Premiere in Armani Privé

This was one of her more decadent moments that deserved a world stage like Cannes.  By this point I was already a huge fan of Aishwarya’s beauty and style.

2011: ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Premiere in Armani Privé

There has always been a perception that Aishwarya was strictly a gala gown girl when it comes to this festival, but this Armani Prive Fall 2011 dress – which was modified from the runway – proves that even back then she was taking risks in what would’ve been considered an avant garde look for her. I have thought that if I was to rewind this moment, I would lose the clutch.  But I think she carried it to give her other arm something to do while giving the pose some shape.  Hands on the hip wouldn’t have worked because that side is higher than the other.

2012:  ‘Cosmopolis’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Elie Saab Haute Couture

This was a stunning look for Aishwarya.  But sadly I remember it for all the wrong reasons.  The actress had just given birth had daughter Aaradhya eight months prior (I believe), and there was heavy criticism about her weight – which still blows my mind. I truly admire her for not bowing down to any pressure to conform to what is “expected.”  You don’t need to be a sample size to be fashionable.  On this day I fell even more in love with her.

Aishwarya Rai 2013 amfAR’s 20th Annual Cinema Against AIDS in Tarun Tahiliani

2013: amfAR’s 20th Annual Cinema Against AIDS in Tarun Tahiliani

Cannes is not Cannes without out one traditional moment from the Indian or Asian actresses who grace the event.  This event showcased Carine Roitfeld’s ‘Ultimate Gold Collection’ fashion show, so Aishwarya was on brand, and on theme in this gold sari with matching accessories.  The embroidery was stunning, but the ombre hemline is simple sensational. I love how it gives the look a modern feel.

Aishwarya Rai ‘Two Days, One Night’ Deux Jours, Une Nuit Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Roberto Cavalli

2014: ‘Two Days, One Night’ (‘Deux Jours, Une Nuit’) Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Roberto Cavalli

Remember when Roberto Cavalli used to rule Cannes? Ah..those were the days.  No one was more shocked than me to see Aishwarya hit the red carpet in 2014 wearing this sultry number.  It was so off brand for the actress, yet, by the same token is was made to showcase that she can sparkle with the best of them.  For me, this was one of her most unexpected and iconic Cannes moments.

Aishwarya Rai 2015 Youth’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Ralph & Russo Couture

2015:‘Youth’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Ralph & Russo Couture

This was another major moment for me, and Ralph & Russo who dressed the global superstar.  Again this look was fashion forward, oozing with plenty of glamour and elegance.  I love that Aishwarya let dress do all the talking.

2016: From The Land And The Moon (Mal De Pierres) in Rami Kadi Couture

This was a tricky year.  Not because it was the year the site was closed. Mostly because her Rami Kadi Couture gown was my favourite of the three looks she wore that year, but it was ruined by the purple lipstick.  Her Elie Saab Couture gown washed her out.  And I kinda feel that we’d been-there-and-done-that with this gold Ali Younes Couture gown.  So despite the lipstick, the Rami Kadi gown was the stand out.

Aishwarya Rai 2017 ‘Okja’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Michael Cinco Couture

2017: ‘Okja’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Michael Cinco Couture

For my first Cannes Film Festival returning to RCFA, I was totally underwhelmed by what celebs were giving us.  There was a glamour famine until my queen sent me to fashion heaven wearing this fairytale Michael Cinco Couture gown.  It still gives me goosebumps to this day, and will always be her most icon red carpet moment.

2018:  ‘Girls Of The Sun (Les Filles Du Soleil)’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Michael Cinco Couture

2018:  ‘Girls Of The Sun (Les Filles Du Soleil)’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Michael Cinco Couture

Perhaps anticipating that most would expect another gala gown, Aishwarya switched gears, while still sticking with Michael Cinco.  Such a bold butterfly print had never been part of her red carpet journey, but as I always say, when it comes to Cannes…all bets are off.

Aishwarya Rai 2019  ‘La Belle Epoque’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Ashi Studio Haute Couture

2019:  ‘La Belle Epoque’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere in Ashi Studio Haute Couture

After her bold experimentation in Jean-Louis Sabaji Couture didn’t quite pay off, Aishwarya’s second outing in Ashi Studio Haute Couture proved more fruitful.  At least in my eyes.

Of these 10 looks, which was your favourite?

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