You could say she didn’t just walk the red carpet; she brought India with her. The sleek gown had social media abuzz before her movie even made its mark. “I like to think of my first look of the year as a love letter to our craft,” she put it on Instagram, crediting Puja Shah and the artisans for the 300 hours of Patola work.
The House of Patola number is all about making an impression without having to be loud. It’s a backless, full-length piece with a square neck and a fit that doesn’t let up. There’s a soft train in the back and the embroidery has plenty to say. She let the dress be the star, going with white strappy heels and a few cocktail rings.
What her beauty look signalled
Make-up and hair were in the same vein: no-nonsense glamour. A side part with some soft waves left the back of the dress on show. Kohl and a smudged wing, a bit of rouge and a pink lip – just enough to stand out on the Riviera.
Confidence over trends
Roy has always been open about the fact that you have to enjoy what you’re wearing. “Fashion is only fun if it’s personal,” she told us. She’ll put on what works for her and the occasion, not what’s hot on the internet. As for the haters, they don’t get in the way of her good time.
Here are the statements that shaped the mood of her Cannes turn:
– She dresses by instinct, not trends
– Trolling does not decide her fashion fun
– It is her third time at Cannes, now with confidence
– She sings, dances, and did college street theatre
It hasn’t been a straight line to where she is now. She was once set on an IAS career, did English Honours at Miranda House and an MA from Jamia. Then a chance audition on campus changed everything. “It’s been a roller coaster,” she says, with all the ups and downs that come with it.
A film moment at Cannes
But the couture is for show; the real reason for being here is Bombay Stories. On May 19 she put out some photos from the poster and teaser launch, happy to be putting some of our own on the world stage.
“Bringing this to the festival means a lot,” she says. “I’m equal parts excited and nervous for the screening.” She won’t give away any plot, but will let you know it’s from the pen of Manto, one of her go-to writers.
Style evolution: from gemstones to patola
There’s a marked difference from last year. At a Chopard do, she was in a midnight blue and black number with a corset and a slit that went high on the thigh. She was in full Hollywood mode then: a neat bun, smoky eyes, bronzer, a mauve lip and some serious Chopard diamonds and sapphires to top it off.
With Indians having a run of things on the red carpet at the 79th, Roy’s outfit brings some of that to the table. Now that the film is in the limelight, we’ll have to see if the room gives it the same kind of reception.
