May 22, 2024, Mumbai: Ace fashion stylist, Akshay Tyagi continued to showcase his talent on the global stage at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2024 once again this year. The style maestro worked his magic on lifestyle content creator & entrepreneur- Diipa Büller-Khosla and Indian male beauty content creator Ankush Bahuguna. With Tyagi’s fresh take on fashion, unique vision, and unparalleled creativity, he surely left an indelible mark on the red carpet
For Diipa’s look, the inspiration can be traced back to Falguni & Shane’s New York show that was creatively directed by Luxury Law. Akshay was inspired by an armour design, which was a standout piece from the collection. This encounter ignited a creative spark, leading to the birth of a visionary concept that seamlessly melds elements of old Hollywood glamour with the timeless elegance of Grecian and Roman aesthetics, all while honouring the rich tapestry of Indian heritage.
At its heart, the ensemble was a modern reinterpretation of the traditional sari, featuring a graceful dhoti-esque drape that pays tribute to India’s cultural roots. Yet, beyond its aesthetic appeal lied a profound message of empowerment – a celebration of the indomitable strength and resilience inherent in women.
The collaborative effort of Falguni and Shane, alongside Akshay, brought this vision to fruition, showcasing not only their creative prowess but also their commitment to representing India on a global platform. The addition of Damiani diamond earrings provided the perfect finishing touch, elevating the ensemble to new heights of sophistication and allure.
For Ankush’s first look, Akshay picked a creation by celebrated Indian designer and founder of Torani Tribe, Karan Torani. The look paid homage to India’s rich textile heritage on foreign soil. Bahuguna graced the festival in a youthful ensemble, featuring an embroidered scarf with floral imprints paired with a leopard-printed cape-cum-overcoat, elegantly coordinated with a purple tunic and trousers, and accentuated with a pair of boots.
Transitioning to the India pavilion, Akshay selected an Abhishek Sharma creation for Bahuguna, exuding a fresh summer vibe with a linen shirt adorned with intricate beadwork. This contemporary take on the Indian bandhgala was impeccably complemented by custom-made Patina shoes, adding a touch of sophistication to the ensemble.
At one of the soirée that Ankush attended, Bahuguna radiated sophistication in a striking printed silk jacket and pants by Rajdeep Ranawat, adorned with a sheer shirt embellished with crystals. Paired with custom-made Patina lace-up shoes and exquisite jewelry from Amrapali, the ensemble epitomized glamour and royalty, captivating all with its mesmerizing allure.
For the grand finale on the red carpet, Akshay collaborated with designer Rohitash Notani of Rosani to create a unique interpretation of the classic tuxedo, embodying Bahuguna’s persona of ‘Wing It with Ankush’. The ensemble, featuring a modernized winged shape, stood out amidst a sea of black suits, epitomizing elegance, and individuality.
In Akshay’s words, “Each look curated for Cannes 2024 reflects a unique narrative, blending cultural heritage with contemporary sophistication. It has been an honour to collaborate with talented designers and bring forth ensembles that not only celebrate individuality but also recognises India’s rich cultural tapestry on a global stage.”
Akshay’s creative prowess and commitment to celebrating individuality shine through in each ensemble curated for Cannes 2024, solidifying his position as a leading force in the world of fashion styling.
