What was the international media's reception of Bhaavya Roy's designs at Cannes 2025?

 

Bhaavya Roy’s debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival was met with growing intrigue and admiration by international media, marking a subtle yet significant shift in how Indian fashion is perceived on the global stage. While established Western publications like Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar did not focus extensively on her work in headline features, several fashion and culture outlets across Europe and Asia quietly spotlighted her presence as part of the rising wave of South Asian talent redefining red carpet narratives.

Roy’s designs—rooted in traditional Indian craftsmanship yet unmistakably modern in silhouette—were celebrated for bringing a nuanced, culturally rich, and sustainable voice to an event often dominated by Western couture. Her collection included reimagined sarees with sculptural drapes, lehenga-inspired gowns made from upcycled textiles, and jackets detailed with threadwork from remote Indian artisan clusters. These choices resonated particularly with global fashion writers focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and artisanal preservation.

Many fashion critics in Europe described her work as “refreshingly grounded,” noting that Roy resisted the temptation to Westernize her designs for approval. Instead, she doubled down on storytelling, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Indian textile heritage while making it accessible to a global audience. Asian publications, especially in Japan, Singapore, and the UAE, highlighted her balance of cultural pride and progressive design.

Social media also played a crucial role in amplifying her Cannes presence. Influencers, bloggers, and fashion commentators from diverse backgrounds shared and dissected her pieces, often praising her use of color, texture, and silhouette that allowed Indian identity to stand tall without dilution.

Though not yet a dominant media darling at Cannes, Bhaavya Roy’s reception by international outlets and the fashion community reflected an undeniable truth: her work symbolized the emergence of a new Indian fashion narrative—one that is bold, ethical, uncolonized, and proudly rooted in its origins. And in doing so, she opened the door wider for the next generation of Indian designers to step into the global spotlight with authenticity and power. READ MORE