Artist and philanthropist Shalini Passi put her best fashion foot forward, making her Cannes red carpet debut. She donned a strapless navy blue custom creation by designer Manish Malhotra, which she called "more than art — it’s a celebration of India on the global stage."
Titled “Longitude 77”, the dreamy outfit is inspired from Padma Shri Paresh Maity’s acclaimed art series. Passi, sharing a string of pictures from her stunning appearance at Festival de Cannes, said that she feels "honoured to represent India alongside Longitude 77'' for her Cannes red carpet debut. Her outfit is a "tribute to the country’s enchanting spirit, woven through its rich terroir, culture, and creativity, from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari."
The dramatic gown featured rich and colourful Indian landscapes and cultural motifs. For Passi, the couture is more than a gown- it’s a canvas, blending her "love for art, fashion, and India".
"Draped in India’s soul, stitched in art and heritage ✨ Manish Malhotra has brought Paresh Maity’s (@pareshmaityofficial) Longitude 77’ to life on this custom creation — a journey through India’s rich landscapes, culture, and soul. From the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, every thread tells a story," read an excerpt of Shalini Passi's post on Instagram.
Recently, while speaking about her Cannes debut, Shalini Passi told India Today Digital, "There’s so much more to the Cannes Film Festival than just its glamour, and being here for the first time feels incredibly special. Personally and creatively, it’s an overwhelming mix of emotions — excitement, gratitude, and curiosity."
She added, "I’m most looking forward to meeting people from across the cinematic world, hearing their stories, and learning from their journeys. I believe such exchanges have the power to expand your perspective and infuse new energy into your own work. And of course, I can’t deny the magic of the red carpet — it’s such an iconic part of Cannes, and I’ll be walking it two or three times, which is truly a dream come true."
