Alia Bhatt’s Cannes Outfit Sparks Debate: Gucci’s ‘Gown’ or Traditional Indian Lehenga?
A stunning outfit worn by Alia Bhatt at the 78th Cannes Film Festival has sparked a heated debate among fashion enthusiasts and cultural experts. The custom-made ensemble, designed by Italian luxury fashion house Gucci, was described as a ‘gown’ by the brand, but many Indians took to social media to express their dismay, arguing that it was, in fact, a traditional Indian lehenga.
According to a report by India Today, the outfit was a lehenga of sorts, with a blouse, skirt, and added drape, making it more akin to a traditional Indian lehenga choli. Fashion stylist Rhea Kapoor, who worked closely with Alia for her Cannes debut, described the outfit as a "take on traditional Indian saree" by House of Gucci. "They created this very sexy, very minimal silhouette, and then added this really dramatic drape, which I thought was really smart, a really modern way to interpret it," Rhea said in a behind-the-scenes video.
Alia Bhatt is Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador, and the brand’s decision to create a custom outfit inspired by her roots was a nod to her significant association with the brand. In an interview, the actress herself described the outfit as an interpretation of a saree. The custom Mini Jackie bag that Alia carried with her outfit, inspired by a traditional mini potli, also has an Indian connection, with the blingtastic embroidery crafted in Mumbai.
Indian fashion professionals have praised Gucci’s attempt to incorporate Indian design elements into the outfit but have also criticised the brand for not acknowledging the cultural heritage of the lehenga. Pearl Uppal, creative director of the label Talking Threads, said: "We’re living in a time where the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation really matters. When you draw from centuries of Indian draping and textile heritage, and then dress a global icon in it on the Cannes red carpet, the least you can do is say: ‘Inspired by Indian couture traditions.’"
Celebrity fashion stylist Divyak D’Souza described Alia’s Gucci moment as a spectacular one but added that he would describe the outfit as a lehenga choli with a dupatta. "I feel many Indian media platforms have overzealously referred to it as Gucci’s ‘first saree,’ which I don’t think is technically accurate. If we’re being precise, I’d describe the ensemble as closer to a lehenga choli with a dupatta. It’s essentially a three-piece outfit: a skirt, a top, and a drape. So, from a technical standpoint, it’s a lehenga. But at the end of the day, let’s just call it what it is – an Indian-inspired silhouette that made Alia look great," he said.
The debate raises questions about cultural sensitivity and the importance of acknowledging the cultural heritage of traditional Indian clothing. As India Today reports, many social media users have accused Gucci of "white supremacy" for describing the outfit as a gown. Meanwhile, Uppal believes that it is the brand’s choice between telling a story and selling an outfit to a global market. "Traditionally, a gown is a one-piece silhouette, continuous from bodice to hem. But in today’s fashion lingo, if it’s floor-length and fabulous, it qualifies – even if it’s a blouse and skirt cleverly styled or stitched together. So yes, you can call a two-piece a gown. But should you? That depends on whether you are selling a garment or telling a story," she added.
The incident highlights the growing appetite for luxury fashion in India and the country’s contribution to the industry through commissioned embroidery and craftsmanship projects for major labels. As the fashion world continues to evolve, it is essential for brands to be culturally sensitive and acknowledge the heritage of traditional clothing.
The controversy surrounding Alia Bhatt’s Cannes outfit serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in the fashion industry. As reported by India Today, the incident has sparked a necessary conversation about the intersection of fashion and culture.
Published By:
Medha Chawla
Published On:
May 26, 2025
