At the prestigious 2024 Festival de Cannes, Indian art collector, philanthropist & the popular face of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, Shalini Passi captivated the international spotlight-not just with her presence, but with a stunning artistic tribute to India. Draped in a custom creation by designer Manish Malhotra, Passi seamlessly wove fashion, art, and heritage into one unforgettable statement.
Longitude 77: Couture becomes Canvas
Titled “Longitude 77”, the gown was no ordinary red carpet attire-it was a living, moving canvas. The design draws inspiration from Paresh Maity’s acclaimed art series, capturing the multifaceted beauty of India stretching from the snow-laden Himalayas to the sun-kissed tip of Kanyakumari.
The strapless navy blue silhouette gradually unfolded into a visual mosaic, showcasing vibrant Indian landscapes and cultural motifs, turning the fabric into a storybook of the subcontinent’s essence.
A fusion of fashion and fine art
This exceptional ensemble marked a rare collaboration between two icons in their respective realms-Manish Malhotra, known for his opulent couture, and Paresh Maity, one of India’s leading contemporary artists. Their partnership fused craftsmanship and creativity, with every detail of the gown reflecting a moment from India’s geography, traditions, and artistic soul
A balcony, a backdrop, and a bold statement
On the balcony of the iconic Hotel Martinez, Shalini’s look came to life, set against the Riviera’s cinematic charm. She paired the gown with luxurious jewellery from Manish Malhotra’s own line, a sparkling Judith Leiber clutch, and flawless glam by Shobhit Khuranaa. Her hair, styled to effortless perfection by JB Beauty Artist, completed the regal look.
The visual storytelling extended beyond the outfit-photographers captured the moment with a painterly aesthetic, emphasising the gown’s intricate detailing and cultural resonance.
Fashion stylist Nupur Mehta, along with Sanssgram, curated the entire look with a focus on symbolism and sophistication. The styling didn’t just enhance Shalini’s appearance-it enhanced the message: that India’s artistic identity deserves a place on global stages.
A voice for Indian Heritage on the world stage
Sharing the look on social media, Shalini Passi described the experience with poignant words: “Draped in India’s soul, stitched in art and heritage.” Her caption celebrated the gown as more than a fashion choice-it was an embodiment of her personal and patriotic passions.
This Cannes appearance is not the first time Passi has merged her love for art with fashion, but it may be her most iconic yet. Her presence reaffirmed that style can transcend trends-it can tell stories, preserve heritage, and bridge worlds between tradition and innovation.
Netizens love Shalini’s unique look
Diet Sabya shared a video of Shalini Passi walking the red carpet and captioned it, “Passification at Cannes”. “Shalini Passi didn’t just wear the art -she was the art. Miss ma’am left her Lutyens mansion, stepped onto the Cannes red carpet for the first time ever and somewhere, the Bolly housewives WhatsApp group is combusting in real time. Enjoyed, baby. Fully enjoyed, she added.
An Instagram user commented, ” What an awesome new life at 50!!!!”. While other user commented, “Love her sense of personal style !Also she has real interest in art.”
From atelier to art gallery, from India to France-this was more than a look. It was a legacy in motion.
