Some say the Cannes Film Festival is about movies. For those who are chronically online, like me, it’s really more about the red carpet-watching. And today was the peak as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan finally hit the Croisette.
After two weeks of mystery content creators and brand reps wearing who knows what, we finally got the cultural moment that we’ve all been waiting for when Mother stepped out in two looks by Amit Aggarwal and Sophie Couture respectively.
Queen ARB has been walking this particular red carpet since 2002, and in that time she’s worn everything from saris to Elie Saab gowns, experimental lip combos and stick-on flowers. In honour of her appearance at this year’s ceremony, let’s take a moment to look back at her most memorable looks.
Neeta Lulla sari, 2002
Let’s go back to a simpler time—Aish’s Cannes debut. All of two months old when it happened, I still felt its impact in my tiny bones. This was pre-L'Oréal, for the premier of Devdas, and she was dressed by the costume designer of the film Neeta Lulla who had been instructed by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to bring her character Paro to the red carpet. The canary yellow net sari, gold jewellery, bindi and glam; this is the template for how to wear a more traditional Indian look without looking like you’re wearing a costume.
Neeta Lulla cut-out dress, 2004
This outfit is fun, it’s hot. Before Bella Hadid even knew what a cutout dress was ARB had done it. And even though it predates the release of the film, this feels like a covert Dhoom 2 audition to me.
Gucci, 2005
Aishwarya’s first departure from Indian designers, this black Gucci dress is sexy but not overly revealing, with a sheer panel and monotone embroidery that keep it interesting. This was post her breakup with Vivek Oberoi and honestly, it has all the makings of a good revenge dress.
Giorgio Armani, 2007
This year she paired a Giorgio Armani gown with her newest accessory: Abhishek Bachchan. The couple had just gotten married in April 2007 and this was their first red carpet appearance together after the celebrations.
Elie Saab, 2009
At first glance, this look might read simple, straightforward. But the details are there in the pleated shoulder, the jewelled bodice, the mermaid-like drape. Plus, that perfectly arched eyebrow—it deserves an award of it’s own. This is also a precursor to what would become a long association with Elie Saab, and as we know, a fascination with purple…
Roberto Cavalli, 2014
This dress is stunning. I want some nepo baby of the next generation to do the respectable thing and pay homage to the look by wearing this to their wedding after-party.
Roberto Cavalli, 2014
She was really feeling herself this year. The white gown, also by Cavalli, was like a lovely palette cleanser after the gold moment.
In Ralph & Russo, 2015
This look is incredibly cinematic, dramatic even, and she knows exactly what she’s doing. It was also the last one before we got the purple lip. I guess you really don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
Rami Kadi, 2016
There is no conversation about memorable ARB looks—Cannes or otherwise—without mentioning this lipstick moment. It was so memorable that even though I saw the image of her outfit seconds ago, I couldn’t tell you what was going on below her lower lip. Was she wearing a necklace? Did the gown have flowers? No idea.
Michael Cinco, 2018
Is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s Aishwarya touching down dressed as a peacock. One of her more maximal moments, and I can’t say I hate it, but we have to brace for what is to come.
Falguni Shane Peacock, 2024
The look that confounded us all. Was it a Christmas decoration? Leftovers from a party store? They literally banned “voluminous outfits” after this.
Amit Aggarwal, 2026
ARB in a Mount Rushmore diva formation alongside Gillian Anderson, Eva Longoria, and Ariana Greenblatt who all came together to—not smile, but wealthy-laugh for a photo.
Sophie Couture, 2026
Mother and daughter both in capes, to protect their peace.
