Often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful women, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has captivated global audiences with her impeccable style and poise. From winning the Miss World crown to reigning over international red carpets, she has evolved into a true global fashion icon. Her sartorial journey – spanning traditional Indian attire to high-octane couture – reflects not just personal glamour but also a cultural impact that has put Indian fashion on the world map.
Let’s revisit seven iconic style moments that defined her status, each offering a glimpse into how Aishwarya blended elegance, confidence, and cultural pride to become a living legend in fashion and film.
1. Miss World 1994 – The Crowning of a Fashion Icon
A 21-year-old Aishwarya Rai dazzled the world in 1994 when she was crowned Miss World. Draped in a one-shouldered white gown embellished with sparkles and topped off with opera gloves, she exuded grace and old-world glamour as she accepted the blue crown. Her poised final walk – hair in a neat top bun and a radiant smile – became an enduring image for a generation.
Beyond beauty, her confident style and compassionate charm (evident in her winning answer) made headlines internationally. This victory wasn’t just a pageant win; it marked the arrival of a future superstar whose sense of style and “perfect elegance” would soon influence millions. The Miss World crowning moment introduced Aishwarya as a fashion icon in the making, capturing India’s pride on a global stage.
2. Acting Debut in 1997 – From Iruvar to Bollywood
Transitioning from beauty queen to film star, Aishwarya made her acting debut in 1997 with Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film Iruvar, followed by her Hindi debut in Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya the same year. In Iruvar – a period drama set in 1960s South India – she portrayed a character inspired by actress-turned-politician Jayalalithaa, adopting an elegant retro look with classic silk saris, winged eyeliner, and flowers in her hair. On and off screen, the fresh-faced Aishwarya carried herself with the grace of a seasoned star. At film premieres and press events, she embraced late-90s fashion with chic ensembles that highlighted her Miss World poise. Though a newcomer, she lit up the screen with her beauty and wardrobe, signaling that a new style icon had arrived in Indian cinema. These early appearances showed that Aishwarya’s fashion journey—much like her film career—would be watched closely by fans and fashionistas alike.
3. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) – Ethereal Ethnic Elegance
In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Aishwarya personified the quintessential Indian heroine and set off a fashion wave with her ethereal ethnic looks. As Nandini, she wore a series of breathtaking traditional outfits crafted by designers Neeta Lulla and Shabina Khan.
One iconic look was a red Gujarati lehenga-choli, richly embroidered with floral motifs and mirrors, paired with a mesh dupatta that shimmered with sequins. Whether twirling in a pastel lehenga during the song “Nimbooda” or emoting in a bridal silk saree, she imbued each costume with grace and authenticity. The film’s massive success – and her Filmfare Best Actress win for it – amplified the impact of her style. Suddenly, brides across India wanted “Nandini-inspired” outfits, and Aishwarya’s radiant bindi, bangles, and long braided hair became the epitome of late-90s desi elegance. This moment cemented her status as Bollywood’s reigning style muse, proving she could set trends in traditional fashion as effortlessly as she did in pageant gowns.
4. Devdas at Cannes 2002 – Indian Royalty on the Red Carpet
When Devdas premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made history – and a grand style statement – as one of the first Indian actresses at Cannes in a leading capacity. She arrived like royalty, riding a horse-drawn carriage up to the Palais, clad in a resplendent Neeta Lulla sari of sunshine yellow and gold. Adorned with traditional Kundan jewelry and a matching gold watch, Aishwarya dominated the red carpet with a look that was unabashedly Indian and regal.
The sari’s rich hue and intricate embroidery gleamed under the flashbulbs, while her bold red lipstick and confident wave enchanted photographers and fans alike. This was more than a fashion choice – it was a cultural statement. The appearance “altered the modern Indian culture”, as one outlet noted, by proving that Indian cinema and style belonged on the world’s most glamorous stage. Despite mixed reviews from international fashion critics unaccustomed to Bollywood grandeur, the moment was widely celebrated back home. Aishwarya’s Cannes debut in 2002 became an inflection point, opening the doors for Indian attire on global red carpets and firmly establishing her as a cross-continental style icon.
5. Cannes Jury 2003 – Bold in Neon Green
Aishwarya continued to break barriers as the first Indian female actor invited to be a Cannes jury member in 2003. True to her penchant for making statements, she stepped out on opening night in a daring neon green Neeta Lulla sari paired with a heavily embellished choli and her hair elegantly tied in a bun.
The vibrant sari, gleaming with sequins, ensured all eyes were on her – a bold deviation from the safe gowns favored by Hollywood elites. While the outfit drew divided opinions and even sharp criticism from some fashion watchers, it unquestionably put Aishwarya on the global style radar.
She owned the look with confidence, demonstrating that she wasn’t afraid to embrace her culture or take risks on an international platform. As Abhishek Bachchan later revealed, Aishwarya remained unfazed by the “hullabaloo” over her clothes, focusing instead on her prestigious jury role.
In hindsight, that neon green moment has become legendary – a reminder that Aishwarya’s fashion journey has been as much about fearless self-expression as it is about glamour. Even in a so-called “miss,” she created an iconic fashion conversation, solidifying her reputation for audacious elegance.
6. Cinderella at Cannes – Michael Cinco Gown (2017)
Two decades into her career, Aishwarya delivered a fairytale fashion moment that captivated the world. At the Cannes 2017 red carpet, she floated in wearing a dreamy powder-blue ball gown by Filipino designer Michael Cinco, instantly earning the nickname “Cinderella” from the global press. The off-shoulder couture dress featured a voluminous skirt fit for a princess and was lavishly embellished with tonal beads and silver embroidery, evoking an icy sparkle with every step.
With her sleek long hair cascading and minimal accessories, Aishwarya let the gown do all the talking – and it spoke volumes. The look went viral on social media and media outlets alike; even seasoned fashion critics were stunned as she “wowed on the Cannes red carpet” in the jaw-dropping ensemble. At 43, the actress proved that she could still steal the show from younger stars, bringing a sense of old-school Hollywood drama mixed with Disney-esque whimsy.
This appearance not only reaffirmed her title as Cannes royalty but also showed her versatility – after years of rocking saris and sleek dresses, Aishwarya could channel a storybook princess with equal aplomb. The Michael Cinco gown has since become one of her most iconic red-carpet looks, underlining how her fashion legacy continues to inspire awe and imitation.
7. Manish Malhotra Saree at Cannes 2025 – Timeless Tradition Meets High Fashion
In 2025, Aishwarya proved yet again that her style icon status is eternal. At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, the “Cannes Queen” returned to her roots, gracing the red carpet in a custom Manish Malhotra ivory Banarasi saree adorned with rose-gold and silver zari work. The six-yard drape flowed flawlessly, paired with a sheer embroidered veil that added a modern ethereal touch. She amped up the regalia with breathtaking jewels – a statement necklace of over 500 carats of rubies and uncut diamonds that gleamed like a Maharani’s treasure.
Completing the look, Aishwarya wore her signature bold red sindoor in the hair parting, alongside winged eyeliner and rosy lips, infusing meaning into her style. Instantly, the internet lit up with nostalgia and admiration. “She’s back in a saree!” one fan cheered, as others drew parallels to her iconic Cannes debut in 2002.
Indeed, this moment felt like a victorious full circle – the world-famous beauty queen, now a veteran actress at 51, still championing Indian craftsmanship on the world stage. Critics and fans alike praised her as an ideal cultural ambassador, noting how she honored Indian heritage while looking every bit a global diva. Aishwarya’s 2025 Cannes look blended tradition with contemporary haute couture, solidifying that her influence on fashion is as strong today as it was decades ago. It was a powerful reminder that true style icons don’t just follow trends – they celebrate their identity and inspire others to do the same.
From a shy pageant contestant in a sparkling gown to a confident film star draped in couture and kanjeevaram silks, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s style evolution is nothing short of extraordinary. These seven moments capture how she continually marries glamour with cultural pride, influencing fashion trends from Mumbai to Paris. Across the years, Aishwarya has not only turned heads with dramatic red-carpet entries and exquisite outfits, but also uplifted Indian fashion on global platforms.Her legacy as a global fashion icon lies in this very balance – she can be a Cannes stunner one day and a traditional Indian queen the next, all while remaining authentic. In an industry where styles change by the season, Aishwarya’s enduring elegance and fearless choices have set her apart. She has inspired designers, delighted fashion enthusiasts, and shown the world that true style transcends era and geography. With every public appearance, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continues to write a narrative of timeless beauty and iconic fashion, reinforcing her reign as a cultural and style luminary for the ages.
