From Khadi to Cannes: The Unseen Journey of Designer Dr. Shalini Sharma

Jodhpur’s acclaimed fashion designer, Dr. Shalini Rajendra Sharma, recently made headlines after her hand-crafted Rajasthani bridal ensemble, designed on Khadi fabric with exquisite hand embroidery, was officially selected for display at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025. This marked a historic first for Rajasthan, as no female designer from the state had been selected for such a global fashion stage before. However, despite the honor, Dr. Sharma was unable to present her creation at the festival due to unforeseen logistical and geopolitical challenges.

The meticulously designed lehenga, adorned with 5D peacock embroidery and embellished with real pearls and rubies, was selected by the Europe-Asia Fashion Alliance (EAFA), the official fashion partner of Cannes. Crafted entirely using traditional handwork on Khadi tissue, the lehenga featured India’s national bird — the peacock — highlighted with silver ghungroos and intricate detailing. The total cost of creating the garment reportedly reached ₹4 lakh, a testament to its craftsmanship and cultural value.

What makes the selection even more exceptional is that Cannes typically favors western gown formats for its red carpet events. But Dr. Sharma’s design broke conventions — it impressed the selection committee so much that they lifted the gown-only requirement, allowing her to retain the bridal form and merely adapt it to a gown silhouette.

Unfortunately, as the festival approached in mid-May, rising tensions between India and Pakistan led to canceled flights from Jodhpur and widespread logistical issues. With her travel plans disrupted, Dr. Sharma missed the opportunity to physically attend the Cannes Film Festival, which ran from May 13 to 24.

Despite this setback, Dr. Sharma has already received invitations to both the next edition of Cannes and the prestigious Paris Fashion Show, reaffirming the industry’s recognition of her talent and artistry. She underwent a rigorous five-round selection process that included video interviews and detailed dress sketches, with final confirmation arriving in February 2025.

Dr. Sharma remains optimistic, stating that her mission continues beyond the red carpet. Through her Vastrashala Academy, she trains rural, urban, and underprivileged youth in fashion design, textiles, AI-based fashion tech, and embroidery. Her vision is to empower future designers to represent India globally, just as she has.

While geopolitical tensions may have delayed her Cannes debut, Dr. Sharma’s journey is far from over — and her art continues to make waves, both at home and abroad.