"I love my hourglass, sweetheart neckline"
Janhvi Kapoor turned heads with her pink ensemble as she made her Cannes debut.
The Tarun Tahiliani dress began as a delicate, rose-coloured fabric with a metallic sheen, setting the tone for a look that was both powerful and feminine.
Its voluminous silhouette paired with an ethereal veil draping over her low bun marked a clear shift from Janhvi’s usual glamorous style.
Janhvi said: “I’ve always been super fixated on being sort of hyper glamorous.
“I love my hourglass, sweetheart neckline, Jessica Rabbit-esque silhouettes with a lot of glitter, sequins, embroidery and opulent work. So this was very new for me.”
The custom skirt and corset were crafted from real tissue fabric, handwoven in Banaras, India.
A unique hand-crushed technique gave the textile a rich texture and depth. The ensemble’s signature Tarun Tahiliani drape was finished with an uncut hem, left raw to preserve the authenticity of the weave.
Janhvi added all the needed glitz and glam by accessorising with pearls and diamonds from Chopard.
A signature multi-layered necklace became the star of the show, featuring a diamond-studded brooch, a diamond-encrusted drop pendant, and a lariat-style necklace. Her floral diamond-encrusted earrings perfectly matched the rest of the jewellery.
Celebrity makeup artist Savleen Manchanda gave Janhvi a 90s-era look that honours her late mother Sridevi.
The makeup featured a bronzed, radiant complexion, a blend of brown and chrome eyeshadow, and fanned-out false lashes.
A heavy contour and a wash of mauve blush and pink highlighter on the cheekbones and bridge of the nose added a youthful glow. The look was completed with a satin-textured mauve lip colour.
On the hair front, Janhvi’s tresses were styled into a voluminous centre-parted low bun. This was adorned with the most dreamy hair accessory: the dupatta drape.
For her Cannes debut, Janhvi entrusted both designer Tahiliani and her cousin, stylist Rhea Kapoor, to bring her vision to life.
Janhvi Kapoor explained: “I think she [Rhea] really wanted to bring out a side of me that hasn’t been explored much, and focus more on my face and on how she sees me.”
Choosing an Indian designer was a conscious and meaningful decision:
“I really think it’s their time to shine. I mean, I’ve known this for a really long time.
“A lot of the textiles that are put on these international garments, on these international red carpets, on these huge Western actors or huge global stars from all around the world have been textiles that were manufactured and created in India by Indian and craftsmen.
“So I think it is high time that’s put on a global stage and our designers are given the kind of credit that they deserve.”
Explaining how she feels wearing Indian clothes, Janhvi said:
“I think I look the best and I feel my most comfortable in Indian clothes.
“And if I’m being put on a global stage like this, I’d like to feel my most comfortable and confident.”
“So it was honestly a very organic decision for me.”
The outfit reflected a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. The veil was both a tribute to her Indian heritage and a contemporary fashion statement.
Janhvi Kapoor is at Cannes to promote Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan.
The film stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa and explores the friendship of two men from a North Indian village whose bond is tested by their roles as police officers.
Janhvi said: “Specifically for the film that I’ve come here with, it was important for me to stay in touch with my roots.”
Janhvi shared that she gave Rhea Kapoor a clear brief, focusing on a more serious energy to match her Cannes debut.
She acknowledged fashion’s significance but emphasised the festival’s core purpose.
Janhvi added: “I really wanted the attention to stay on the fact that we’re here representing a film.
“It’s a huge opportunity to even be in the vicinity of so many artists that I admire and look up to, and the fact that our movie is in competition is nerve-wracking, but very exciting.
“I’m thrilled, and constantly pinching myself.”
See more pictures of Janhvi Kapoor’s Cannes look in our special gallery:
Loading ...