Cannes 2026: Alia Bhatt looks ‘luminous’ as she steps out in an custom confection with high jewels

For her previous look, she stuck to her modern-day princess glam in a “draped ivory chanderi dhoti skirt and soft sculpted corset” by ace designer Tarun Tahiliani. Carrying a matching lace parasol, the actor was seen inaugurating the Bharat Pavilion with Ashutosh Gowariker at the French Riviera. A modern interpretation of the Indian sari, the look featured a sculpted embroidered corset, fluid pre-structured drapes, soft cowl detailing, and an elongated train, rendered in an ivory palette.

Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the bodice accentuates her curves, while a dainty rhinestone bindi and nose ring add a touch of desi glam. Sleek straight hair and a pair of ivory heels complete her look.

“Feeling unapologetically filmy for the inauguration of the Bharat Pavillion,” she mentioned in the caption of her Instagram post.

X users marvelled at the likeness of Alia Bhatt’s look with that of Netflix period-piece Bridgerton’s characters, commenting “Indian Bridgerton in the house” and “What in the bridgerton ?? She looks sublime ❤️” underneath her video.

Last night, she walked the red carpet at the opening ceremony of Cannes International Film Festival, in a blush pink custom Tamara Ralph haute couture cut out gown, paired with a flowy dupatta — giving some serious Scandinavian scarf energy.

A Western trend that took over the internet back in 2024, it had sparked criticism on social media for looking suspiciously similar to the South Asian dupatta, without giving India its due credit.

Fashion watchdog Diet Sabya called Bhatt’s look a “revolution”, reiterating how we are bringing the dupatta back on Indians on the biggest global red-carpets. “We are reclaiming our heritage and wearing it on our necks, like why should the colonisers have all the fun?? And this lewk is just the start, if I say so myself! 🫦💅” they shared in the caption of their latest Instagram post.

Alia Bhatt walks the Cannes 2026 red carpet. (Source: Instagram/@aliabhatt)

Jewels in spotlight

Styled by Rhea and Sanya Kapoor, the highlight of Alia Bhatt’s red carpet glam was a stunning custom necklace featuring “an extraordinary composition of 168.27 carats of rare pink coral”, specially selected to complement the final look with elegance, softness, and individuality. A remarkable 5.53 carat Golconda-type 2A diamond rests at the centre, pure and exceptionally rare. Square and asscher cut diamond earrings from Chopard added a touch of Art Deco sparkle to her ensemble.

Unlike her much talked about debut last year, netizens loved both of Bhatt’s appearances this time — talking about how she managed to keep it minimally chic and elegant on the red carpet, very true to her personal style. From “stunning” to “couldn’t BREATHHHH💕” to “That’s our Indian interpretation of Barbie!” the comment section of her social media post is filled with appreciation and admiration.

For her first appearance earlier last evening, Bhatt served soft princess-core in a dreamy hand-painted, sculpted, fitted bodice and voluminous skirt. The sea foam green couture creation by Yash Patil featured a corseted bodice and a billowy skirt layered in ombré-dyed silk organza and tulle.

Artist Basuri Chokshi hand-painted the dress in an ode to the enchanting French Riviera. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, Bhatt’s romantic and whimsical look was brought to life with side-swept hair pulled into a loose bun, and soft hints of pink on her cheeks and lips, inspired by the iconic silhouettes of the 1950s. Yellow diamonds from Chopard and Manolo Blahnik mules completed her vision.

Urvashi Rautela

Urvashi Rautela at Cannes 2026. (Source: Instagram/@urvashirautela)

Urvashi Rautela was also in attendance last night, adding bling to the red carpet in a sparkly silver couture ensemble by Chinese designer JoliPoli. In her embellished gown, dramatic headgear, and carousel-horse bag by Judith Leiber, the Bollywood actor looked no less than a warrior goddess.

Farhana Bodhi

Farhana Bodi with Alia Bhatt at Cannes. (PR Handout)

Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodhi returned to Cannes this year in a custom aquamarine couture ensemble by Dubai-based atelier Zuhra, dripping in Swarvoski crystals assembled by hand. Weighing around 15 kilograms, the dress was  inspired by classical Kazakh ornamentation. She accessorised the look with pieces from Saltanat Diamond Jewellery, which took close to a year to make and over 8,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.

“The necklace and earrings feature 16.51 carats of diamonds, 48.69 carats of aquamarine, and 44.85 carats of beryl, while the statement ring centres around a striking 33.44-carat Paraiba tourmaline,” read her press note.