While most attendees lean toward the glitz and glamour expected of the red carpet, Kapadia carved her path, showing that elegance can stem from comfort, cultural roots, and thoughtful styling. Her appearance this year stood out not only for her roles in cinema but for her sartorial storytelling that balanced modern aesthetics with deep-rooted traditions.
Payal Kapadia at Cannes Film Festival 2025
Caption: Payal Kapadia at Cannes Film Festival 2025. She enhanced her look with silver jewellery from Tribe by Amrapali, featuring the handcrafted Folktale Layered Masaba Necklace inspired by the Akan tribe and an oxidised silver choker adorned with ghungroos.
Payal Kapadia made a strong impression at the 78th Festival de Cannes, embracing her position as both a jury member and a voice of cinematic storytelling with bold fashion choices that resonated far beyond the red carpet. Rather than conforming to high-octane glamour, she embraced a powerfully minimal look, opting for a sharply tailored deconstructed plaid suit by Arjun Saluja from his label Rishta.
Drawing inspiration from the 1980s power suit era, the ensemble echoed themes of female strength, structure, and refined rebellion. With clean lines, asymmetry, and a relaxed silhouette in classic grey tones, Kapadia embodied sophistication with a sense of control and quiet command.
Staying true to her Indian heritage while maintaining global appeal, Kapadia’s standout choice was her silver jewellery. She elevated her look by wearing pieces from Tribe by amrapaliincluding the ‘Folktale Layered Masaba Necklace’— a bold, handcrafted design inspired by the West African Akan tribe — and an oxidised silver choker with ghungroo accents.
These accessories not only brought cultural weight to her outfit but also transformed her power suit into a canvas of global craftsmanship and thoughtful symbolism. The necklace, priced at Rs 15,347, and the choker, priced at Rs 25,587, served as testaments to her nuanced approach to red carpet fashion — intentional, rooted, and meaningful.
Kapadia’s look was styled by costume designer Indrakshi Pattanaik, who emphasised that the ensemble was not just about aesthetics but about designing a ‘character’ true to Payal’s essence. Prioritising comfort, utility, and individuality, Pattanaik’s styling reflected the Cannes 2025 dress code, which discouraged sheer fabrics, oversized silhouettes, and excessive nudity. Kapadia’s choice aligned perfectly, reinforcing that fashion at global platforms can respect guidelines while making powerful statements.
Payal Kapadia’s presence at Cannes 2025 was more than just a fashion moment — it was a statement about identity, power, and thoughtful representation. At a festival where the red carpet is often ruled by spectacle, she proved that grace, intent, and cultural integrity could be just as captivating. With her powerful wardrobe choice, Kapadia not only honoured her heritage but also reminded the world that true style lies in authenticity.
