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Why Shalini Sharma’s Khadi Lehenga Was the Showstopper Cannes Didn’t See
Although she missed attending Cannes 2025, Dr. Shalini Sharma’s Khadi bridal lehenga remains one of the most admired designs of the event.
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.
