To mask her mommy figure, designers suggest that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan should consider Indianwear and draped silhouettes at the Cannes film festival

Akshata Shetty (BOMBAY TIMES; May 14, 2012)

 

The filmi world is already buzzing with talk about the Festival de Cannes, and like every year, there’s anticipation about Bollywood’s red carpet appearances at the French Riviera. The film festival, which begins on May 16, will also see new mommy Aishwarya Rai Bachchan make her 11th consecutive appearance at Cannes, probably on May 24, and there’s already talk about what the former beauty queen will wear to Cannes.

A DRAPED SILHOUETTE
In 2011, Ash had worn an Elie Saab Spring 2011 couture gown on the red carpet, and had paired it with a Jimmy Choo clutch and Chopard jewels. She was also spotted in a white and navy blue Armani Prive gown; and a brown silk Lanvin trench dress for a photo op. But this year, after the birth of her daughter, and the post pregnancy pounds to mask, designers recommend that the actress should consider Indian ensembles for the red carpet.

“Aishwarya is a gorgeous girl, irrespective of what shape she’s in,” says designer Pria Kataaria Puri. She suggests a classic, elegant and understated glamourous ensemble for Aishwarya, something that would enhance her beauty and aura, and not necessarily her body. “I think she should wear an elegant offwhite, black or blush pink sari with beading, or crystals or sequin border and embellished blouse — not overly sexy but more stylish,” adds Puri. If Ash wants to sport a western look, then it should be a draped silhouette and not a fitted one, says Puri, adding, “She could opt for a strapless black gown in chiffon teamed with a shawl or scarf in black.”

SAREE’S THE WAY
Or she could wear a long kaftan to hide her weight, says Leena Singh of Ashima-Leena. Designer Nachiket Barve adds, “The red carpet could be a great opportunity to promote healthy beauty. A blend of Indian and western styles can be a good combination for her on the red carpet.” But, designer Maheka Mirpuri is more precise when she says, “It should definitely be a saree. She has a great height and great face.” Considering her body type, Maheka feels that Ash should choose minimal colour, maybe coral or emerald as they are the colours of the season. “Something in a thin fabric like chiffon with a delicate border is what I’d recommend. Also, the blouse can have a V-neck with a low sexy back with three quarter sleeves,” she says.

Like Maheka, designer Shaahid Aamir too recommends a sari for Ash. “Maybe a Bengali ensemble like the one she wore in Devdas.” Designer Manoviraj Khosla adds, “Given the circumstances, she should opt for an Indian look. She should avoid body hugging clothes or ensembles that would accentuate her curves.”