Key Highlights

  • Show Director Liza Varma spearheads a strong Indian delegation to the 79th Cannes Film Festival in May 2026.
  • Indian designers, jewellery labels, and models will participate in multiple high-profile fashion events and showcases.
  • The initiative aims to provide global exposure for both established and emerging Indian talent.

India's Grand Presence at Cannes 2026

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 14: The 79th Festival de Cannes, scheduled from May 12 to 23, 2026, is gearing up to be a significant platform for Indian creative talent. As one of the world’s most esteemed annual events for cinema, the festival also serves as a crucial hub for cultural exchange, including the vibrant world of fashion.

Internationally acclaimed Show Director Liza Varma is leading a formidable Indian delegation to Cannes this year. This contingent comprises an impressive lineup of Indian designers, distinguished jewellery labels, and models, all poised to present their work across a series of meticulously curated fashion events running concurrently with the main festival.

Multi-Platform Showcase Across Iconic Venues

The strategic approach for India's presence involves a multi-platform showcase rather than a single event. These presentations are slated for iconic venues such as the Carlton Miramar Palace and Majestic Hotel. Audiences will witness Indian artistry across various high-profile stages, including the ENW Showroom in collaboration with Oriflame, the prestigious Red-Carpet Stair Walk at the Palais des Festivals, and exclusive FTV showcases.

Further amplifying this global outreach, Indian talent will feature at the Asian European Fashion Week (AEFW Paris - Cannes edition), Los Angeles Fashion Closet Mode De Cannes, and a pivotal panel discussion in association with FICCI at the Bharat Pavilion. This diverse engagement underscores a concerted effort to provide maximum international visibility.

Empowering Indian Design on a Global Scale

Liza Varma articulated the core vision behind this extensive initiative. “My focus is to create opportunities for Indian designers and talent to present their work in international environments,” Varma stated. She highlighted a discernible global interest in Indian design sensibilities, cultivated through years of work in major cities worldwide, including Paris, Toronto, Dubai, Sydney, London, Vancouver, and Los Angeles. This participation at Cannes, she explained, is part of an ongoing commitment to facilitate wider exposure and build sustained global engagement for both emerging and established Indian artists.

A Stellar Lineup of Talent

The delegation boasts a diverse and talented group. Fashion designers include Amit GT, Samant Chauhan, Rishi Vibhuti, Ashna Vaswani, Nitika Gujral, Baya Designs by Richa Bhatia, and Sona Mandhiratta. Leading jewellery labels such as Veneraa Jewels by Eshita Kaur and Le Marquise Jewellery by Jasmine Gulati Jain and Sambhav Jain of Hombujaa Jewels are also part of the group.

Influencers Anuradha Vishwanathan and Anisha Garg will lend their presence, while models Bhanujeet Singh Sudan, Tiya Verma, Chahat Chawla, Vanshita Saini, and Adit Gupta from Liza Varma Academy are set to grace various runway presentations and appearances throughout the festival. Anjali Singhal will ensure seamless operations as the Backstage Manager for the entire delegation.

Scheduled Engagements at Cannes 2026

The Indian delegation's schedule at Cannes is packed with key events (all timings in CEST):

  • May 12th – 23rd, 2026: Daily Activation at the ENW Showroom in collaboration with Oriflame, featuring Fashion Designer Amit GT and Jeweler Le Marquise.
  • May 18th, 2026: FTV Showcase at the Majestic Hotel, 8:30 PM, presenting designs by Amit GT and Le Marquise Jewellery.
  • May 20th, 2026: Panel Discussion with FICCI at the Bharat Pavilion, 3:00 PM. Moderated by Liza Varma, the topic will be 'Global Rise of Indian Fashion', involving designers, industry leaders, and international delegates.
  • May 21st, 2026:
    • AEFW Paris (Asian European Fashion Show) at the Majestic Hotel, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, showcasing Ambar Paridhi Sahay Mine of Designs, Ashna Vaswani, and Eshita Kaur by Veneraa Jewels.
    • Los Angeles Fashion Closet (LAFC Showcase) Mode De Cannes at the Carlton Hotel, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring Samant Chauhan, Nitika Gujral, Dimple Kapoor, Baya Designs by Richa Bhatia, and Rishi Vibhuti.
  • May 21st & 22nd, 2026: Red Carpet Stair Walk at the Palais des Festivals, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with participants including Meghna Nayyar Misri.in, Richa Bhatia, Nitika Gujral, Rishi Vibhuti, Sona Mandhiratta, Ashna Vaswani, Eshita Kaur by Veneraa Jewels, and influencers Anuradha Vishwanathan and Anisha Garg.