Every Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Cannes Film Festival Look Through the Years: Manish Malhotra Saree, Purple Lips and More

By Kim BrowneMay 22, 2025

The Cannes Film Festival, an international event that premieres some of the most anticipated new releases in film and television, has a reputation for its iconized red carpet and star-studded guest list. Having attended the Cannes Film Festival many times before, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has a robust history of memorable looks worn throughout the years.

From her butterfly-inspired Michael Cinco gown to her viral lavender lipstick moment paired with a design from Rami Kadi, the Bollywood actress has graced the festival’s red carpet in a number of designer fashions and eye-catching ensembles.

Ahead, WWD is breaking down some of Bachchan’s most iconic looks worn to the Cannes Film Festival.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2008

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 17: Actress Aishwarya Rai attends the 'Vicky Christina Barcelona' premiere at the Palais des Festivals during the 61st Cannes International Film Festival on May 17, 2008 in Cannes, France. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage) — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the “Vicky Christina Barcelona” premiere. WireImage

In 2008, Bachchan arrived on the red carpet in a fushia gown from Roberto Cavalli. The star’s dress featured a plunging V-neckline, halter straps and a textured handkerchief detailing along the skirt.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2011

Aishwarya Rai arrives at the — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the premiere of “Sleeping Beauty.” WireImage

Bachchan arrived to the festival in 2011 wearing a navy and white color-blocked gown from Armani Privé. The actress’ dress was crafted with a corset-like bodice, which featured an asymmetric hemline and an elongated slip skirt, finished with a small train.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2015

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 20: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai arrives for the screening of the film 'Youth' at the 68th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 20, 2015. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the screening of “Youth.” Getty Images

In 2015, Bachchan arrived in a textured dress from Georges Chakra. The star’s gown, designed with several layers of a ruffled white textile, was adorned with small black floral appliques and finished with a matching black waist belt.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2016

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 15: Aishwarya Rai attends the 'From The Land Of The Moon (Mal De Pierres)' premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 15, 2016 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Foc Kan/FilmMagic) — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the screening of “From the Land of the Moon (Mal de Pierres).” FilmMagic

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 15: Aishwarya Rai attends a screening of — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan FilmMagic

In 2016, she arrived wore a gown from Rami Kadi, paired with a bold shade of lavender lipstick. The dress featured intricate floral embroidery, an off-the-shoulder silhouette and a nipped-in waistline.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2018

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 12: Aishwarya Rai attends the screening of — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the screening of “Girls of the Sun (Les Filles du Soleil).” WireImage

In 2018, Bachchan donned a printed design from Michael Cinco. The star’s gown, fully embroidered to resemble a butterfly, featured a plunging V-neckline, skin-tight fit and additional train attachment.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2019

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 20: Aishwarya Rai attends the screening of — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the screening of “Le Belle Epoque.” Mike Marsland/WireImage

Bachchan arrived at the festival in 2019 sporting a large feather-adorned gown from Ashi Studio. The actress’ dress, designed in an ethereal all-white colorway, featured several layers of tulle, chiffon and lace to create a multitextured silhouette.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2025

Aishwarya Rai at “The History of Sound” Premiere during The 78th Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 21, 2025 in Cannes, France. Earl Gibson III

For the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the Bollywood star opted for a custom design courtesy of Manish Malhotra. The unique saree was created with handwoven Kadwa Banarasi handloom fabric in ivory, threaded with brocade motifs and real chandi (silver) zari. The ensemble featured hints of rose gold and silver tones with layers of a tissue dupatta, bordered in gold and silver zardozi. She accessorized with high jewelry pieces by the designer as well.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2023

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 18: Aishwarya Rai is seen at the Martinez hotel during the 76th Cannes film festival on May 18, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/GC Images) — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the Martinez hotel. GC Images

In 2023, Bachchan donned a shimmering silver gown from Sophie Couture. The look, crafted from a piette-adorned textile, featured an oversized hooded silhouette and was finished along the waistline with a large black bow.