Payal Kapadia brings quiet power to Cannes 2025 in a deconstructed suit

Time of India

14-05-2025

Payal Kapadia, as a Cannes jury member, made a powerful statement at the 78th Festival de Cannes opening ceremony. She opted for a deconstructed plaid suit by Arjun Saluja, styled by Indrakshi Pattanaik, drawing inspiration from 1980s power dressing. Kapadia complemented her minimalist ensemble with statement silver jewellery from Tribe by Amrapali, reflecting worldliness and rootedness.
Acclaimed Indian filmmaker and Cannes jury member Payal Kapadia made an understated yet powerful style statement at the opening ceremony of the 78th Festival de Cannes. Eschewing the usual red carpet glamour, Kapadia arrived in a sharply tailored, deconstructed plaid suit by Rishta designer Arjun Saluja, an ensemble that redefined what red carpet dressing can look like when intellect meets intention.
Styled by long-time friend and collaborator Indrakshi Pattanaik, the look drew inspiration from 1980s power dressing but with a subtle, contemporary edge. 'Payal loves the aesthetics of the 80s-structured, smart, and full of presence,' Indrakshi shared. 'We wanted her outfit to feel like an extension of her - intelligent, grounded, and expressive. Arjun was the perfect partner for that vision.'
The suit, in muted grey tones, balanced authority with ease.
Clean lines, asymmetric tailoring, and a relaxed silhouette ensured comfort as well as character, an important consideration for Kapadia, who preferred to watch the screenings without the distraction of fussy fashion. The design also aligned seamlessly with this year's Cannes dress code, which encouraged pared-down, classic looks over extravagance: no sheer fabrics, no exaggerated volume, and certainly nothing over-the-top.
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To complement her minimalist ensemble, Kapadia wore statement silver jewellery from Tribe by Amrapali. A layered pendant necklace - drawing influence from West African Akan traditions and an oxidised choker with ghungroo detailing added a tactile richness to the look, elevating the outfit without overpowering it. The pieces gave a sense of worldliness and rootedness, just like Kapadia herself.
Kapadia was in distinguished company on the jury panel, joining filmmakers and artists like Carlos Reygadas, Leïla Slimani, Halle Berry, Jeremy Strong, Juliette Binoche, Dieudonné Hamadi, Alba Rohrwacher and Hong Sang-soo-each bringing their own cinematic lens to the prestigious festival.
For the official jury photocall, Kapadia shifted gears while still staying true to her essence. She wore a handwoven silk outfit in rich hues of blue and red by designer Payal Khandwala, radiating elegance through simplicity. Another striking silver necklace from Tribe by Amrapali completed her look, again blending comfort with quiet grandeur.
As a host of Indian celebrities, from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Karan Johar to newcomers like Nitanshi Goel,descend on Cannes between 13th and 24th May, Payal Kapadia's appearance is a refreshing reminder that style can be thoughtful, powerful, and deeply personal. In a sea of spectacle, hers was a look that didn't shout but it resonated.
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