Simi Garewal Makes A ‘Powerful Statement' At Cannes 2025
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Simi Garewal makes a sustainable Cannes red carpet debut in custom Karleo by Karan Berry and Leon Vaz couture.
Captivating in couture, Simi Garewal looked like a vision in white when she made her Cannes red carpet debut with a sustainable twist. Gracing the Cannes red carpet in an ethereal ensemble designed by Mumbai-based couture brand, Karleo by Karan Berry and Leon Vaz, Simi's custom-couture ensemble featured a full-sleeved embellished coat with pearl detailing paired with a long, voluminous skirt and corset.
Making a powerful, sustainable statement by repeating her clothes, Simi Garewal 's Cannes debut is just like her 'Iconic and Classic'. Simi's corset was first styled on her in 2022 at a fashion awards ceremony in Mumbai.
Celebrating Satyajit Ray's Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, evergreen star Simi Garewal, along with her legendary co-star Sharmila Tagore and American filmmaker Wes Anderson, attended the Highest 2 Lowest red carpet on May 19, 2025 wearing the iconic, custom piece.
Sharing his opinion on Simi's decision to repeat the garment, designer Leon Vaz says, 'We believe it's a powerful statement about sustainable fashion and timeless style. It showcases the enduring quality of our designs at the same time, making it more normal for celebrities to repeat clothes."
Simi has had a long-standing relationship with Leon Vaz and Karan Berry of Karleo, and having her wear their designs for her Cannes debut is special. 'Our association with Simi [Garewal] has been a long and collaborative one, spanning several years. Working on her Cannes debut was an absolute pleasure," says Leon, adding, 'As a brand that takes pride in its evening and bridal gowns and accessories we were glad to take inspiration from India to design this red carpet look since it's an Indian film (Aranyer Din Ratri) represented by an iconic Indian celebrity at one of the biggest film event of the year."
Speaking about celebrating her signature colour palette, Leon shares, 'White has always been a symbol of elegance and sophistication for Simi. This year, we wanted to create a look that was both classic and modern, and that reflects her style. Also, as a brand in India for white weddings, this is the perfect pairing. But we have still taken different shades of white – beige, off white, creme, pearl white and ivory, snowy white – and brought them all together in one outfit."
Inspired by the classic Elizabethan style and crafted in silk satin and crepe de chine from India, the corset was embellished with caviar beads and cut bugles to add a mirror shine to the mother-of-pearl finished embroidery materials. The corset was further highlighted with tiny lochrosen crystals.
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