May 20, 2025: Art patron and reality TV personality Shalini Passi made a striking debut on the Cannes 2025 red carpet, turning heads in a breathtaking custom couture gown by designer Manish Malhotra. The Delhi-based art connoisseur, known for her appearance in Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives on Netflix, embraced India’s rich artistic heritage with her look, blending fashion and culture on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms.
The gown, titled “Longitude 77”, was inspired by celebrated Indian artist Paresh Maity’s iconic series of the same name. The design traces a metaphorical journey through India’s landscapes, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the southern tip of Kanyakumari. Featuring a mermaid silhouette, sculpted corset, and a voluminous multicoloured skirt, the ensemble embodied elegance, heritage, and contemporary artistry.
Sharing images of her look on social media, Passi wrote:
“Draped in India’s soul, stitched in art and heritage. Manish Malhotra has brought Paresh Maity’s Longitude 77 to life on this custom creation — a journey through India’s rich landscapes, culture, and soul… This isn’t just couture, it’s a canvas.”
She paired the ensemble with delicate jewellery and a Judith Leiber clutch, completing the look with her signature snatched bun. The overall aesthetic was sophisticated yet soulful, capturing the attention of international fashion critics and Cannes attendees alike.
Passi expressed her excitement about the festival and her admiration for Indian cinema, especially the screening of Satyajit Ray’s restored Aranyer Din Ratri. “I’m really hoping to meet Sharmila Tagore ji and Simi Garewal ji. The fact that a Satyajit Ray film is premiering here is such a proud moment,” she told the press.
Apart from the blue gown, Shalini had earlier showcased a pink Fouad Sarkis gown and a hand-embroidered ivory pantsuit by Jade by Monica and Karishma during her Cannes appearances, reflecting her versatile fashion taste.
With her Cannes debut, Shalini Passi successfully brought together art, fashion, and Indian heritage on a global stage — making not just a style statement, but a cultural one.