Devangi Nishar Parekh, the Managing Director of Aza Fashions and Founder of Araiya by Aza made a remarkable debut at the Cannes Film Festival with a series of standout looks that celebrated India’s rich textile heritage and contemporary design brilliance, with sustainable lab-grown diamond jewellery by Araiya. Let's walk through the stunning outfits that defined her Cannes debut.
Bringing Indian Craftsmanship to the Global Stage
Cannes ranks among the top international film festivals and doubles as a big fashion event. Devangi took this chance to draw attention to Indian textile arts and cutting-edge design. She wore pieces from well-known brands like Anamika Khanna, Rimzim Dadu, Nupur Kanoi, and Tarun Tahiliani.
Her outfits reflected a balance between classic and contemporary styles, perfectly suited for a global audience that values skilled craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. Speaking about her experience as an advocate for Indian craftsmanship and responsible design, Devangi Nishar Parekh said: “Cannes represent a unique intersection of creativity, culture, and global influence - and I’m truly honored to be a part of it. As someone deeply committed to championing Indian fashion, I see this as a moment to celebrate the artistry and talent our country has to offer. It’s a proud step forward, not just for me, but for the entire design community that’s shaping India’s global fashion identity."
An archival Anamika Khanna creation
Devangi kicked off her Cannes trip in a long jacket from Anamika Khanna's archives. She wore this archival piece at the Bharat Pavilion and participated in a powerful panel titled “Voices of Influence: Craft, Creativity & Cultural Presence.”
- Detailed Kathiawari stitches.
- Intricate lattice and mansion designs from Ahmedabad.
- Geometric shapes inspired by Ajrakh prints from Kutch.
- Bengal's Kantha embroidery work.
- Bright Phulkari from Punjab.
- Chanderi silk fabrics from Madhya Pradesh.
Speaking on the intersection of fashion, culture, and entrepreneurship, Devangi shared how wearing a piece that united India’s diverse textile traditions at Cannes was deeply symbolic. She said, “Fashion is one of the most powerful ways we tell our stories. To represent India at Cannes wearing a piece that brings together craft traditions from across the country was incredibly meaningful. Through Aza, I’ve seen how deeply the world connects with Indian creativity and this panel was a timely reminder that our cultural legacy is also our global currency."
This designer outfit showcased India's rich fabric heritage, styled into a modern silhouette that drew all eyes.
Sculptural Glamour in Rimzim Dadu’s Concept Saree
Devangi chose a handmade saree gown by Rimzim Dadu for the red carpet. This outfit blends traditional saree draping with modern couture design. It showed how Indian fashion can transform itself for global events while keeping its heritage intact.
- The sculptural silhouette paid respect to Indian drapes, while having a contemporary twist.
- The design referenced Rimzim Dadu's distinctive textile experimentation.
To complete the look, she wore sustainable, lab-grown diamond jewellery from Araiya by Aza, which represents her ideals of responsible luxury and contemporary craftsmanship.
Devangi showcased South Asia's growing impact at Cannes. She advanced a goal based on new ideas, diversity, and cultural roots, introducing Indian craftsmanship to a global audience.
"To me, Cannes wasn't just a red carpet, it served as a stage," Devangi said. "A stage to show off Indian creativity, craftsmanship, and the silent power of women business owners who are changing industries from the inside. As I walked that carpet, I carried more than a designer outfit and eco-friendly jewelry. I also brought the tales of countless Indian designers and skilled workers who are set for the world stage."
Embroidered Power Dressing by Nupur Kanoi
The third outfit Devangi wore was a powerful one. It featured an embroidered jacket with a sculpted corset and wide-leg trousers from Nupur Kanoi's Maya collection. The outfit featured
- Kantha embroidery
- Sequin sheeting
- 3D bead fringes
This designer outfit combined Indian craftsmanship with a crisp contemporary style. A fashion-forward nod to modern Indian trend.
Sophisticated Satin Pantsuit by Anamika Khanna
Devangi picked a light beige satin pantsuit by Anamika Khanna for one of her elegant Cannes appearances. The outfit had delicate hand-painted floral motifs and subtle lacework inspired by traditional Indian handwork. This look struck a balance between professional style and cultural richness while resonating with global aesthetics.
Devangi Nishar Parekh said, "Wearing pieces that speak so deeply to India’s culture and craftsmanship at Cannes has been incredibly meaningful. Each look I chose was rooted in storytelling, from intricate handwork to artistic prints, and reflects what Aza stands for: bridging tradition and modernity with a global voice."
A Colorful Canvas of Indian Craft by Anamika Khanna
Her outfit featured a bright top and skirt set, with an abstract design drawing from India's craft centers - Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kerala, and Varanasi. The intricate embroidery work highlighted:
- Kasuti from Karnataka
- Mirror work from Gujarat
- Zardosi from Lucknow
- Aari and gota patti from Rajasthan
This look brought together the unity and diversity of Indian crafts in a new, trendy way, celebrating heritage while inspiring the future of fashion.
Floral Fantasy by Tarun Tahiliani
Devangi stunned in a blush-toned signature concept saree from the Tarun Tahiliani Bahaar collection. This look was a modern reinterpretation of one of India's most traditional clothing. The look was both structured and sensual, rooted in heritage yet modern in structure.
- The designer saree reimagined the traditional drape, featuring a corset-inspired bodysuit and a fluid pre-draped silhouette.
- Swarovski crystals and hand embroidered florals gave richness and dimension to the whole look.
- The 3D appliqué and delicate embroidery celebrated nature in full bloom.
Tarun's interpretation of modern India was epitomized in this attire, where traditional craft meets contemporary structure & artistic expression. She completed the look with sustainable lab grown diamond jewellery from Araiya by Aza.
Artistic Layers by Richa Khemka
The founder of Araiya by Aza, Devangi made an impact at Cannes 2025 in a handmade skirt and quilted jacket set by Kolkata-based designer Richa Khemka taken from the Composite collection.
- The striking jacket's quilted texture featured a bold tile pattern.
- The outfit embodied the idea that even the tiniest art pieces, such as single tiles, can unite to form a cohesive and impactful look.
- Intricate and delicate detailing made each element stand out on its own.
Drawing inspiration from the narrative strength of fragmented beauty, the style mirrored the heart of Composite - where joining pieces of art bring about something special. Devangi matched the ensemble with lab-grown diamond jewellery from Araiya by Aza and accessories from her own collection.
The Vision of Devangi Nishar Parekh's Cannes Appearances
Devangi's presence at Cannes goes beyond making a fashion statement, she aims to bring Indian craftsmanship to the world stage. She picked Indian designers and artisans whose work exudes India's rich cultural tapestry giving a voice to those often ignored in international settings.
Her choices motivate Indian fashion enthusiasts and people around the world to value the stories behind each stitch, bead, and weave.
Devangi Nishar Parekh proved through her Cannes appearances that Indian couture is all set for global recognition. It has its roots in tradition, gets better with new ideas, and fits every event on the world's red carpets.
