Indian fashion critics can’t stop praising Sanam Saeed’s Cannes debut look

Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed made a striking red carpet debut at the Cannes Film Festival, wearing a custom creation by designer Hussain Rehar — a look that quickly gained attention across borders and social media platforms.

The ensemble was inspired by a white peacock and blended elements of an anarkali, a cape, and a couture gown. According to the designer’s brand, the outfit featured intricate mukesh, zardozi, and mirror work, crafted over 2,300 hours by around 50 artisans.

Saeed completed the look with silver and diamond jewellery, including peacock-feather-inspired accessories and a traditional pasa-style maang tikka, along with flowers woven into a sleek braid.

The appearance immediately drew attention from Indian fashion critics and stylists online. Several praised the structure and originality of the outfit, calling it balanced compared to the often polarising looks seen at global red carpets.

Fashion commentator Nisha Goenka highlighted the outfit’s design balance, noting that it avoided both excessive safety and over-the-top theatrics. Another critic, Sufi Motiwala, described the look as “ravishing” and “effortlessly chic,” giving it a top-tier rating.

As images circulated on social media, discussions expanded beyond fashion into representation and identity, with users across platforms debating how South Asian talent is recognised internationally.

Some Indian users praised the look while comparing it with appearances by other regional celebrities at the festival, further amplifying the buzz around Saeed’s debut.

Responding to the attention, Saeed framed her appearance as a tribute to Pakistani craft and heritage, stating that she walked the red carpet representing “the women of Pakistan, the unseen hands behind the work, and those who came before and after.”