Cannes Film Festival 2026: Alia Bhatt blends Indian heritage with global glamour in stunning strapless gown

She came, she twirled, and she won hearts. Alia Bhatt looked stunning in a peach bustier gown as she walked the red carpet for the inaugural event of the Cannes Film Festival 2026 on Tuesday. The actress, who is a brand ambassador of beauty brand L’Oreal Paris- the official sponsor of the event- ensured all eyes were on her as she sashayed down the red carpet, briefly stopping to pose for the cameras.

Alia Bhatt's red carpet look at Cannes 2026

For her big red carpet moment, Alia stepped out in a peach strapless gown with a curved neckline. The outfit had a matching stole, and Alia wore matching jewellery and kept her hair loose. The outfit has been designed by Tamara Ralph.

The strapless gown featured a structured corset-style bodice that perfectly accentuated her figure, as she twirled the dupatta-inspired drape around while posing. The dupatta-stole gave an Indian touch to her western outfit.

Styled by Rhea Kapoor, Alia accessorised with a statement gemstone necklace and matching earrings.

Alia's first look at Cannes 2026

Before hitting the red carpet on Tuesday evening, Alia had already made heads turn in a stunning summery gown by designer Yash Patil which was hand painted by Basuri Choksi.

According to the press release, "It was inspired by the iconic silhouettes of the 1950s, featuring a structured bodice with angular cups, a drop waist, and a voluminous skirt layered with ombre-dyed silk organza and tulle. The look seamlessly blends vintage couture with modern elegance."

"Hand-painted by Basuri Chokshi (@basuri) as an ode to the French Riviera, the artwork captures its dreamy landscapes, lavender fields, and timeless romance, transforming the ensemble into a wearable piece of art," the statement read.

Stars descend on the Cannes 2026 red carpet

The opening night of Cannes Film Festival 2026 saw celebrities from across the world walking the red carpet. Jury members for this year, filmmaker Chloe Zhao and Demi Moore posed on the red carpet as did actor Elijah Wood. There were also legends like Bong Joon-ho, Jane Fonda, and supermodel Heidi Klum who posed on the red carpet.

American cinema veteran Jane Fonda and Chinese star Gong Li opened the 79th Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday in front of a celebrity-studded audience on the French Riviera.

Fonda issued a plea for cinema to continue to serve as an "an act of resistance" at the end of a ceremony that also saw "The Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson receive an honorary Palme d'Or award for his career.