Indian Fashion Trends and Representation at the 79th Cannes Film Festival

May 15, 2026, 11:30
EuropeEntertainment

Introduction

The 79th Cannes Film Festival provided a platform for several Indian actors to display different fashion styles, ranging from traditional Indian crafts to expensive luxury and simple, modern tailoring.

Main Body

The festival highlighted a strong focus on national heritage, as seen in Kalyani Priyadarshan's first appearance. She wore a custom strapless gown by Itrh and jewelry from Kalyan Jewellers to promote Indian design. This choice shows a growing trend among South Asian actors to use international events to showcase their regional textile traditions. In contrast, Urvashi Rautela focused on extreme luxury. Since attending the festival in 2022, she has set records for the value of her outfits. In 2025, her jewelry—including the Moussaieff Red and Oppenheimer Blue diamonds—was valued at $155.9 million. She continued this trend in 2026 with high-end gowns and a luxury clutch worth nearly $6,000. Other actors chose different styles. Huma Qureshi, who has attended since 2012, wore a structured black blazer and trousers, emphasizing a trend known as 'quiet luxury.' Similarly, Tara Sutaria chose vintage-inspired looks, such as a Vivienne Westwood corset gown, focusing on classic glamour and elegant shapes.

Conclusion

Overall, the presence of Indian stars at Cannes shows a diverse approach to visibility, balancing cultural pride, extreme wealth, and modern simplicity.

Learning

🚀 The 'Contrast Shift': Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you usually connect ideas with and or but. To reach B2, you need to use Contrast Markers to show a professional relationship between two different ideas.

Look at how the text handles the different styles at Cannes:

"In contrast, Urvashi Rautela focused on extreme luxury."

Why this is B2 level: Instead of saying "But Urvashi liked expensive things," the author uses "In contrast". This signals to the reader that we are now comparing two opposite categories (Cultural Pride vs. Extreme Wealth).

💡 Your Upgrade Path

Stop using But at the start of every sentence. Try these B2 alternatives found in or inspired by the text:

  1. In contrast →\rightarrow Use this when two things are completely different.

    • (A2): She likes gold. But he likes silver.
    • (B2): She prefers traditional gold jewelry. In contrast, he prefers minimalist silver designs.

  2. Similarly →\rightarrow Use this to show that two things are the same.

    • (A2): Huma wore a suit. Tara also wore a classic dress.
    • (B2): Huma chose a structured blazer. Similarly, Tara focused on elegant, classic shapes.

  3. Ranging from... to... →\rightarrow Use this to describe a variety.

    • (A2): They had traditional clothes and expensive clothes.
    • (B2): The styles were diverse, ranging from traditional crafts to expensive luxury.

🛠️ Quick Logic Check

  • Same direction? →\rightarrow Use Similarly.
  • Opposite direction? →\rightarrow Use In contrast.
  • Showing a scale? →\rightarrow Use Ranging from X to Y.

Vocabulary Learning

highlight (v.)
to emphasize or draw attention to something.
Example:The report will highlight the key findings.
focus (n.)
the main point or area of attention.
Example:The focus of the study was the impact of climate change.
heritage (n.)
the traditions, culture, or objects passed down from previous generations.
Example:Heritage sites attract many tourists each year.
custom (n.)
a traditional practice or habit.
Example:It is a custom to greet guests with tea.
strapless (adj.)
without straps.
Example:She wore a strapless dress to the gala.
gown (n.)
a long dress, especially for formal occasions.
Example:The gown shimmered under the stage lights.
jewelry (n.)
ornamental items worn for decoration.
Example:Her jewelry collection includes rare gemstones.
promote (v.)
to support or advertise something.
Example:The campaign aims to promote healthy eating habits.
design (n.)
a plan or arrangement of elements.
Example:The design of the building is modern and functional.
trend (n.)
a prevailing style or pattern.
Example:The new trend is to use sustainable materials.
regional (adj.)
relating to a particular region.
Example:Regional cuisine varies greatly across the country.
textile (n.)
fabric made from weaving or knitting.
Example:The textile was woven with intricate patterns.
extreme (adj.)
very intense or extreme.
Example:Extreme weather conditions can damage crops.
luxury (n.)
high-quality comfort or indulgence.
Example:Luxury cars are often associated with status.
value (n.)
the worth or importance of something.
Example:The value of the antique was assessed at $10,000.
outfit (n.)
a set of clothes worn together.
Example:Her outfit for the interview was smart and professional.
diamond (n.)
a precious gemstone made of carbon.
Example:The diamond sparkle caught everyone's eye.
clutch (n.)
a small, handheld bag.
Example:She carried a small clutch to the party.
structured (adj.)
having a clear, organized form.
Example:The structured blazer gave her a polished look.
blazer (n.)
a lightweight jacket, typically worn for formal occasions.
Example:A blazer can be worn over a dress for a formal look.