EXCLUSIVE: Janhvi Kapoor’s Cannes Debut Is a Love Letter to Indian Craft in Tarun Tahiliani Tissue Couture

The Croisette witnessed a new chapter in Indian fashion history as Janhvi Kapoor made her much-anticipated red carpet debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The actor, in town for the premiere of her film Homebound, joined co-stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa for the screening of “Vie Privée (A Private Life)”—but it was her breathtaking ensemble that truly stole the spotlight.

A Couture Moment Rooted in Heritage

For her first Cannes appearance, Janhvi Kapoor turned to Tarun Tahiliani, a designer celebrated for his ability to fuse India’s rich textile legacy with contemporary couture. The result was a custom creation that paid homage to Indian craftsmanship while embracing the international glamour of Cannes.

The ensemble, styled by Rhea Kapoor, featured a corset and voluminous skirt crafted from real tissue woven in Benaras. The fabric itself is a marvel—hand-crushed to create a subtle, organic texture that catches the light with every movement. The tissue, a centuries-old textile prized for its featherweight feel and luminous sheen, was left with an uncut, raw hem—a deliberate choice to preserve the authenticity and artisanal spirit of the weave.

Modern Lehenga, Timeless Appeal

Kapoor’s look reimagined the traditional lehenga for a global stage. The soft blush-pink skirt, finely pleated and dramatically flared, was paired with a sculpted corset that offered modern structure while nodding to the feminine silhouettes of Indian bridalwear. A signature Tarun Tahiliani drape—part dupatta, part ghoonghat—flowed gracefully from her shoulder, sweeping around her sleek bun and framing her face with a romantic, almost ethereal touch.

The ensemble’s integrated dupatta-like drape was more than an accessory; it was a sculptural element that added drama and movement, echoing the fluidity of classic Indian attire while remaining resolutely contemporary.

Vintage Romance Meets Modern Muse

Accessories played a starring role in Kapoor’s Cannes debut. She layered pearl necklaces of varying lengths, paired with matching pearl drop earrings, to evoke old-world glamour. A delicate floral garland woven into her bun added a touch of romance and referenced traditional Indian bridal adornment, while her makeup—dewy pink cheeks, softly flushed lips, and a precise winged liner—struck the perfect balance between vintage and modern.

The overall effect was a harmonious blend of nostalgia and innovation: a look that honored the past while embracing the future of Indian fashion on the world’s most prestigious red carpet.

The Story Behind the Look

Both Janhvi Kapoor and Tarun Tahiliani embraced experimentation for this moment. “We wanted to create something that felt authentically Indian, but also fresh and unexpected for Cannes,” Tahiliani shared. The ensemble’s hand-crushed tissue, raw edges, and sculpted pleats were all deliberate choices, designed to highlight the artistry of Benarasi weaving while pushing the boundaries of red carpet couture.

Rhea Kapoor’s styling further elevated the look, ensuring that every detail—from the layered pearls to the floral gajra—felt intentional and deeply personal. The result was a debut that celebrated individuality, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of Indian textiles.

A New Icon for the Global Stage

Janhvi Kapoor’s Cannes debut is more than a fashion moment—it’s a statement about the evolving identity of Indian style. By choosing to wear a piece rooted in heritage yet tailored for modernity, Kapoor joins a new generation of Indian actors and creatives who are redefining what it means to represent India on the world stage.

As the flashbulbs faded and the Palais des Festivals echoed with applause, one thing was certain: Janhvi Kapoor’s red carpet moment will be remembered as a defining entry in the annals of Cannes fashion—a testament to the timeless allure of Indian craft, and a promise of even greater things to come.