New Delhi: It’s that time of the year when the attention of Bollywood and our desi fashion pundits turns to the French Riviera. It’s official time of the month of “Let’s see what Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is wearing”.

The actor’s first appearance in the 77th edition was in the attire of Falguni and Shane. The charismatic star, despite an injured hand, bravely appeared in a cast as she walked wearing a gown that the designers said was a celebration of the timelessness of her career and life. A black taffeta corseted gown, with white billowy sleeves, with generous touches of gold. A long path with dramatic golden flowers. However, her hair, makeup and gold rings were on point.

Her second look from Falguni and Shane was also a silver blue gown with large sleeves which failed to impress. As fans as well as netizens had a classic why o’why moment, designer Anand Bhushan couldn’t help expressing his disappointment. “Someone as beautiful, talented and iconic as Aishwarya Rao Bachchan certainly never fails to disappoint on the Cannes red carpet year after year. Her outfit this year looked like a kid’s DIY project with detachable flowers. This look was not worthy of the queen of Cannes Film Festival. I hope designers and stylists keep things simple for her and let her beauty shine.”

One statement one can’t help but agree with is that it seems stylists are unable to do justice to the most beautiful woman in the world.

His first appearance as a regular at Cannes since 2002 was the premiere of Devdas. In 2003 she became the first Indian female juror at the festival. As the nation rejoiced, it was her Neeta Lulla-designed dresses that were rejected by the fashion police. Remember the neon green saree with the heavily embellished long bustier, or the pink choli and brown lehenga?

The actor has played the part over the years, from Oscar de la Renta, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Elie Saab to hometown designers, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and Sabyasachi Mukherjee. There have been many hits and misses, but he has hit them all hard.

I remember meeting her right after her Cannes 2016 outing when she paired her floral Rami Kadi gown with a bright purple one. Her look was criticised and memes started doing the rounds. She had actually responded, “I enjoy the art and creativity that goes along with fashion in Cannes and that is why people see me doing different things. I just go with the flow and enjoy the show and the response the art generates. There are so many great ideas out there.”

Although she seems to be quite generous towards the sports wears and creations suggested by her stylist, one designer feels that she needs to be a little careful.

“He is one of India’s most prestigious names on the international circuit. Unlike others, she doesn’t need her outfit to grab people’s attention. On the other hand, she should experiment and wear outfits that flatter her figure and enhance her attractive looks. Her face is amazingly attractive and she can wear any complexion. Simple, classic lines will work best on her. Here it seems the designers are trying to attract attention by making her wear some very unpleasant creations.”

Well, we hope her stylists are listening, after all, ARB is worth it!