Cannes 2025: A throwback to Aishwarya Rai's most iconic looks

There’s something magical about Aishwarya Rai at Cannes. It’s not just the gowns, though they’ve been nothing short of showstoppers over the years. It’s the way she carries them. The ease, the grace, the confidence of someone who knows she doesn’t need to prove anything. From that fairytale-blue Michael Cinco gown to bold, sculpted silhouettes that turned the red carpet into her runway, Aishwarya doesn’t just serve looks, she creates moments to remember.
 
After a nearly two-decade career appearing at the Cannes Film Festival, there's more than what meets the eye that she brings to the table. Her iconic status continues to grow multifold. There’s no try-hard energy here, just a woman who knows her power and isn’t afraid to use it. Cannes may host the world’s biggest stars, but when Aishwarya shows up, the festival pauses for a moment and, it’s all about her.

AISHWARYA RAI'S BEST CANNES RED CARPET LOOKS OF ALL TIME

1. Whimsical wonder 

At Cannes 2022, Aishwarya Rai’s Gaurav Gupta gown was hard to miss, and even harder to forget. A soft pink swirl of a fabric that looked like it had been plucked from a rose garden mid-storm. Sculpted folds wrapped around her like petals in motion, turning the red carpet into a quiet kind of theatre. No heavy jewels, no over-the-top sparkle, just a gown that spoke in shape and silhouette. It wasn’t classic. It wasn’t safe. It was strange, striking, and somehow…soft. A dress you didn’t expect, but couldn’t stop looking at.

2. Goth-meets-floral galore 

There was something really lovely about the way Aishwarya Rai showed up at Cannes in 2022. She wore this soft pastel gown by Dolce & Gabbana, with floral embroidery that looked like it had been stitched by hand, slowly. The fabric moved almost like it was breathing, and the whole look had this quiet, romantic energy to it—not screaming for attention, but impossible to ignore. And maybe it wasn’t just the dress. It was the way she wore it, like she wasn’t trying to impress anyone, just being entirely herself. That’s what made it memorable. Some red carpet moments are about the clothes, but some are for unforgettable fashion moments. 

3. Straight out of holographic heaven 

Aishwarya Rai's first appearance at Cannes 2019 was the kind of moment that makes you pause. She stepped out in this striking holographic gold gown by Jean-Louis Sabaji, shimmery, sculpted, and totally unforgettable. It had this bold, almost space-age vibe, but somehow didn’t feel too far-out. The bodice was sharp and structured, but then the skirt softened everything with the way it moved, almost like light catching water. As she walked, the gold picked up every flicker of the camera flash, turning her into something close to celestial.

4. Style in flight

At Cannes 2018, Aishwarya Rai showed up in a deep purple gown by Michael Cinco that looked like it was made to move. Inspired by butterfly wings, the dress shimmered with every step she took—structured yet flowing, dramatic but not loud. It had this energy to it, like it wasn’t just a gown, but a part of her. The colour was bold, the details were stunning, she wore the gown with ease and presence, taking it to the next level.

5. Ravishing in red 

Aishwarya Rai's red Ralph & Russo gown at Cannes in 2016 was truly out of this world. The deep red was bold, but the lace and beadwork gave it a softness that made it feel both strong and elegant. The skirt was full and dramatic, but what really stood out was the way Aishwarya carried it. She moved so effortlessly, like the dress was just a part of her. It didn’t feel forced or overdone; it just worked. Everything about that moment clicked, and it was the kind of look that stays with you long after the event is over.

6. Real-life fairytale princess 

In 2017, Aishwarya Rai made her appearance at the Cannes in a Michael Cinco gown, a real-life Cinderella moment. The light blue gown was magic, materialised, with the voluminous skirt and intricate detailing adding to its charm. With her flawless poise, it was a moment of pure enchantment, one that captured the imagination of everyone who laid eyes on it.

7. A sunshine debut 

She probably didn't know how influential her debut would be in 2022, but when Aishwarya Rai arrived in a sunshine yellow Neeta Lulla saree at the Cannes Film Festival, she made sure every bit of it was ethereal for years down the line. The rich sunlit colour of the ensemble, completed with detailed embroidery, captured an elegance, most only dream of. It felt almost cinematic, the saree had a regal vibe, highlighting her natural beauty and confidence, marking her arrival on a global fashion stage.

Text by Navvya Nargis