Designers approve 'ethnic' Aishwarya at Cannes

By Priyakanksha Mishra

If you thought Aishwarya Rai looked stunning in beautifully crafted Sabyasachi Mukherjee sari at the premiere of Outrage in Cannes, you are not alone. Some of India's top designers have also applauded the Bollywood actress for her traditional look. 

According to the queen of bridal couture Ritu Kumar, the outfit did justice to Aishwarya. "The look was glamourised and it brought back memories of Ash in the film Guru. I also loved the make-up," said Kumar. 

It is a sentiment that designer Namrata Joshipura echoes. "It was such a refreshing change. Ash looks great! I am so glad she has finally worn a sari at Cannes," she said. 

Aishwarya, a regular at the French Film Festival since 2002 when Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas was screened, has often received less than favourable reviews for her choice of outfits on the red carpet. She has shied away from wearing ethnic outfits ever since the 2003 green colour sari that she wore to the Dogville premiere at Cannes was savaged by Indian designers and fashion critics. However this year the 36-year-old filmstar and international brand ambassador for cosmetics giant L'Oreal, has more or less redeemed herself for past fashion follies. 

She wore a violet tulle and mousseline gown from Elie Saab for the festival opening and for her second outing on the red carpet with fellow L'Oreal spokesmodel Eva Longoria, Aishwarya opted for a black Armani Prive strapless number, which hugged her curves in all the right places.

The third day saw her on the red carpet in a pink Gucci gown accompanied by her mother who chose to wear a cream and gold sari.

Ash's traditional look is also creating waves on Twitter. "Ahhhhh omg Aishwarya in a sari in Cannes! I think I just died and went to heaven!" tweeted fixated_faiyaz on the micro-blogging site.

However despite the overwhelming appreciation, there are still some who want to strike a note of caution. "This is a refreshing change but having said that I have seen better Sabyasachi on Aishwarya," said Pankaj Ahuja of the designer duo Pankaj & Nidhi. Ash had earlier chosen a sari by Sabyasachi for her appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

The Bachchan bahu is of course not the only one who has made a quintessentially Indian style statement at Cannes this year. Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone discarded the ubiquitous gown by stepping out in a cream and gold Rohit Bal sari for the red carpet premiere of The Tournee. Kundan jewelery and a stone studded clutch completed what was a classic yet glam gal look.