Wait a minute! Hold it just right there because this Cannes look demands more than just your attention. An emerging actor and model, Ruchi Gujjar, walked the Cannes red carpet in a full bridal avatar, draped in gold, dripping in Rajasthani regalia, and wearing traditional kundan jewellery, but with a special shoutout to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At a festival known for fashion risks, red carpet politics, and the occasional peacock moment, Indian actress Gujjar may have delivered one of the most eyebrow-raising entries of Cannes 2025.

Dressed in a gold lehenga by Roopa Sharmaa, the outfit featured gota patti, mirror work throughout the expanse. And the piece de resistance? A custom necklace featuring portraits of PM Modi nestled amidst kundan, pearls, and red enamel lotuses.

“The necklace isn’t just fashion, it’s my salute to a leader who’s transformed how the world sees India,” the actress said. “Cannes felt like the right place to wear my patriotism, front and centre.”

The rest of the ensemble followed a heavily embellished, mirror-worked, all-gold palette, with zardozi embroidery and a lehenga that wouldn’t be out of place at a Rajasthani wedding. “It felt like I was wearing the soul of Rajasthan,” Ruchi added.

When most Cannes looks are dissected based on its fabric, fit, design and flair, this one is likely to be remembered for totally different reasons – for triggering conversations rather than the styling details, of course.

‘The Modi necklace’ – as it may be called – has already made its way to social media, where reactions range from amused to amazed to simply confused.

Was it fashion? Was it fanfare? Was it both? Either way, Ruchi Gujjar didn’t play it safe, and in a festival full of sheer gowns and subtle nods, that should make statement, no?