Kochi: Salt Studio in Kochi also became a proud highlight of the Cannes Film Festival at the French Riviera, along with Kani Kusruti, who walked the red carpet holding a Kochi-made 'watermelon sliced bag'. Kani raised the clutch as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The bag was crafted by her friend and stylist, Diya John, at Salt Studio.

Diya and Kani had a long brainstorming session to discuss the star’s red carpet-look. Kani wanted a look that would exhibit her political statement yet be simple for which they concluded that her dress would be created from a light-coloured Banarasi silk material and her accessories would do most of the talking. 

The entire outfit, including the unique handbag, was completed in just two weeks. The bag was crafted from Gaji silk, with watermelon-colored beads. Diya revealed that "several international brands contacted her when they knew Kani was going to the Cannes Film Festival. Kani being a Malayali was decisive that she wanted a brand from Kochi. The aim was to present the bag as a surprise at Cannes,". 

As the watermelon bag caught the world's attention, Diya got Kani's message that read 'Our bag is now a superstar'.

Diya has been running a boutique in Kochi for the last ten years. Apart from her, Divya Prabha, who also played an important role with Kani in 'All We Imagine as Light', had her dress created in Kochi.