Cannes 2018 chronicles: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan resurrects herself, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja puts 'Poojadai' in spotlight

While the Insta sphere went ballistic over the fresh-from-the-mandap Mrs Ahuja’s red carpet look at Cannes 2018, not many knew that the ornate hairpiece she wore in her braided mane was actually the traditional ‘Poojadai’ steeped in the South Indian bridal traditions and not a Punjabi parandi (which many were quick to call it). Picking off-kilter, unexpected pieces and accessories for her Cannes outings isn’t new for the style maven. A few years ago, she had put the focus on the ‘nath’ by wearing it like a warrior bride. Mrs Bachchan, on the other hand, exemplified a remarkable transition from being a doe-eyed classic beauty to the subversive Maleficent. Peacocking in a Michael Cinco butterfly-inspired gown with a never-ending train, Ash proved yet again that no one does red carpet better than her. Here’s looking at the two L’Oréalistas...  

CINDERELLA TO MALEFICENT

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Last year’s Cinderella re-emerged on the red carpet as the flamboyant Maleficent rekindling her love affair with the colour purple. Aaradhya’s mommy stunned in a form-fitting and graphic Michael Cinco gown, with a theatrical train force leaving behind a tingling after-taste of old-world glamour. Coloured gems and swept back hair added to the strong appeal of the gown underlining the undiluted confident stature of ARB.

DEJA VU

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra

Aishwarya and (right) Priyanka Chopra

For her second outing, ARB chose a rather safe Rami Kadi in a neutral palette closely mimicking the structured neckline and column-like silhouette of Priyanka Chopra’s Ralph and Russo dress at the Oscars. The hair and make-up were on point with a slight Japanese origami-like detailing as she twinned with her little angel Aaradhya making the look perfect as it was Mother’s Day.

VERA WANG AND DIOR SPRING 2006

Sonam K Ahuja in a Vera Wang creation and (right) A look from Dior Spring 2006

Sonam K Ahuja clearly knows the transformative power of a dreamy Vera Wang gown and she extrapolated her outfit’s sunny vibe to fantastical effects. Her off-shoulder exposed a sliver of her decolletage and the massive train with a pop of yellow underscored a happy bride in no uncertain terms. While this Spring 2018 bridal creation was an exquisite pick, it reminded us of a Dior ready-to-wear creation circa Spring 2006, which had a very identical canary ombre effect. Having said that, Mrs Ahuja looked exquisite nonetheless!

‘POOJADAI’ IS THE NEW ‘NATH’: SONAM K AHUJA  

Sonam in a Ralph and Russo creation and (right) the pearl braid hairpiece she sported

The fresh-from-the-mandap bride took the stakes higher and enchanted all of us with a red carpet-worthy fantasy (which she aces year after year). The pearl braid hairpiece is the new nath and with each global appearance, Sonam reinvents the classic heirloom design aesthetic for the international audience. The angelic Ralph and Russo twist on the quintessential lehenga-choli was a refreshing sight in a sea of Arabic gowns and androgynous pantsuits. The fun bride’s mehendi impeccably complemented the embroidery of the gown adding to an interesting desi accent to this look.