“Namaskar. Agla award ek aisi film ke liye hai jo Angrezi mein nahin hai.”
These were Alia Bhatt’s opening lines on stage as she debuted as a presenter at the BAFTA Awards 2026 — nuanced, rooted and, of course, impressive. And perhaps it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the actress’s last couple of appearances on the international stage have been quite a hit fashion wise (and otherwise). The purpose may have varied; Paris Fashion Week, Met Gala or Cannes Film Festival, but you will be Raazi, she has served every single time.
Her global fashion journey feels like watching someone grow from a promising actor to a confident style ambassador carrying Indian aesthetics, and beyond, into international fashion arenas. While (without taking names) we have witnessed some really disappointing and safe choices being presented on the red carpet in the name of fashion, someone is actually taking the Highway!
Paris Fashion Week: Bold debut
Alia’s first standout global fashion moment came at Paris Fashion Week in 2024, when she walked for L’Oral Paris’s “Walk Your Worth” show — a star-packed runway that brought together beauty icons like Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria and Kendall Jenner.
For the event, she wore a metallic silver corset-like breastplate with black flared pants designed by Gaurav Gupta, a look that was bold and sculptural, merging futuristic metal with couture finesse. The breastplate was a rage back then, and, interestingly, it was pioneered in India by Suneet Varma in 1992 and later elevated globally by houses like Schiaparelli. Celebrity stylist Priyanka Kapadia was behind curating this look.
Needless to say, her walk was confident, she was smiling, and so were the fashion police.
Met Gala 2024: The cultural moment
2024 was the year Alia Bhatt was making a mark on the global stage, not with films, but with her sartorial choices (and no one’s complaining). Alia first appeared on the Met Gala red carpet in 2023, but her most talked-about fashion moment was the 2024 Gala.
Playing with the theme “The Garden of Time,” she chose to wear a hand-embroidered custom Sabyasachi Mukherjee saree — with a sensational 23-foot train, intricate silk embroidery, beads and semi-precious stones.
This wasn’t just an outfit — it was a cultural statement. While many opted for Western couture gowns, Alia leaned into her roots, elevating the saree to the Met Gala stage with the finesse of a global star. Her styling for the event was by Anaita Shroff Adajania, makeup by Puneet Saini, and hair by Amit Thakur — a dream team that brought out a timeless, elegant finish.
That look sparked huge buzz: fashion critics praised her for respecting the theme while injecting a unique Indian voice into one of fashion’s most talked-about nights. It became one of the defining saree moments at the Gala — no debate there.
Cannes 2025: Gucci saree, lehenga, gown? Never mind.
At the Cannes Film Festival 2025, she delivered what many call a historic fashion moment. As Gucci’s first-ever Indian global ambassador, a role she took on in 2023, she closed the festival in a custom Gucci ensemble that mixed Indian silhouettes with Italian couture.
The outfit — widely described (and debated) as Gucci’s first saree — was decked with Swarovski crystals and Gucci’s signature monogram, draped in a contemporary style that blended Indian grace with modern attitude.
What made this particularly exciting wasn’t just the sparkle, but the design dialogue it created — purists debated its naming, social feeds called it “saree-inspired couture,” while Gucci clarified it was technically a custom gown with saree-like qualities.
The look was styled by Rhea Kapoor, and the makeup was kept soft so the outfit (and Alia) remained the star.
BAFTA 2026: Classic Hollywood
Now, about her latest appearance at the BAFTA Film Awards 2026. Alia’s look was a blend of old Hollywood and contemporary grace. In a custom silver sequinned Gucci gown with a white shearling wrap, she brought vintage glamour — inspired by icons like Marilyn Monroe. Safe, yet so on point.
This was her first BAFTA red carpet — and as a presenter, not just an attendee — and she delivered an understated yet impeccable look. Stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray kept it soft and refined, with her makeup leaning into a luminous glow and minimal accessories, showing confidence rather than costume.
Why each look worked: A personal commentary
What ties together Alia Bhatt’s biggest international fashion moments, from the custom Sabyasachi Mukherjee saree at the Met Gala to her sculpted couture at Paris Fashion Week, her experimental drape for Gucci at Cannes, and the silver glamour at the BAFTA Film Awards, is restraint. The makeup was almost always subtle: luminous skin, soft eyes, neutral lips. It never tried to overpower the outfit.
Instead, it allowed her expressions, posture and confidence to lead. In a space where over-contouring and theatrical glam can easily take over, she chose polish over drama, and that decision made her stand out.
And there is no denying that while the actress pulls off all her outfits with utmost grace and oomph, it is the dream team behind her that does the heavy lifting — the perfect makeup, styling and hair coming together seamlessly. The team knows what works for her, and they serve right that!
If we look at India’s standout fashion moments on the global stage without bias, the list is still evolving. There have been sparks, Diljit Dosanjh’s regal Met Gala outing comes to mind, but consistency remains rare. And that’s what probably makes Alia Bhatt’s recent run particularly compelling. Though one thing, we would like her to play and experiment more, no?
