Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Cannes 2026 appearances are making headlines once again after unseen photographs from the film festival were released online.

The newly released images, shared by Tony Ward Couture, capture Aishwarya posing against the backdrop of the French Riviera in a dramatic custom-made ensemble that blended sculptural fashion with painstaking craftsmanship. The fashion house also used the occasion to celebrate the Bollywood star, calling her the "Queen of Cannes" while revealing the remarkable effort that went into creating the outfit. 

A couture masterpiece crafted over 600 hours

According to Tony Ward Couture, the ensemble required more than 600 hours of craftsmanship and featured over 7,000 hand-applied pearls, along with nearly 40 metres of silk taffeta.

"Over 600 hours of craftsmanship, more than 7,000 pearls and nearly 40 meters of silk taffeta come together in a creation where intricate handwork meets sculptural volume," the fashion label wrote while unveiling the photographs.

The couture look featured a pearl-embellished gown paired with a voluminous white silk taffeta cape, complete with oversized sculptural ruffles that added dramatic flair. Aishwarya complemented the outfit with softly styled waves, understated jewellery and natural-toned makeup, allowing the elaborate craftsmanship to remain the focal point.

Although fans had already caught glimpses of Aishwarya being photographed in the outfit during the festival, the official portraits had not been released until now.

A wardrobe that embraced couture diversity

Styled by Mohit Rai throughout the festival, Aishwarya showcased an eclectic selection of international and Indian designers rather than relying solely on voluminous ball gowns that have defined many of her previous Cannes appearances.

Her opening red-carpet appearance at the premiere of 'The Birthday Party' featured a custom sapphire-blue Amit Aggarwal gown, marking the Indian designer's Cannes debut. Designed in a fitted mermaid silhouette with a sweeping organza drape, the look incorporated Aggarwal's signature 'Crystal Vein' embroidery and reportedly took around 1,500 hours of handcrafting to complete.

For the L'Oréal Paris 'Lights on Women's Worth' gala, the actor opted for a softer aesthetic in a blush pink Sophie Couture corset gown embellished with Swarovski crystal floral appliqués and finished with a flowing chiffon cape. She completed the look with diamond drop earrings while attending the event alongside her daughter, Aaradhya.

Away from the red carpet, Aishwarya embraced understated glamour in a nude embellished gown by Fjolla Nila, layered with a dramatic feathered cape for her media appearances along the Riviera.

She concluded the festival by departing from traditional evening gowns altogether, stepping onto the closing ceremony red carpet in a sharply tailored white couture pantsuit by Cheney Chan. Featuring embellished lapels, lace detailing and a statement feather boa, the ensemble offered a contemporary finish to a Cannes wardrobe that celebrated both structure and couture craftsmanship.