Mumbai: The Cannes Film Festival’s amfAR Gala is always a showcase of glamour, star power, and cutting-edge fashion. In 2025, the event was no exception. Among the dazzling attendees, singer and performer Ciara stood out for her exquisite and carefully curated style choices. Her appearance was not just a fashion statement but a beautiful narrative of global design collaboration, showcasing the fusion of French haute couture and Indian avant-garde craftsmanship.
Ciara’s fashion journey at the gala was marked by two distinct but equally captivating looks. On the red carpet, she wore a breathtaking gown by French designer Stéphane Rolland, from his Spring/Summer 2024 Haute Couture collection.
The dress was a masterpiece of modern elegance, crafted in a pristine cream colour. It featured a high neckline and a form-fitting silhouette that gracefully traced Ciara’s figure. What truly set this gown apart was its dramatic floor-length train that added a regal and theatrical effect.
Styled by renowned fashion stylist Marni Senofonte, Ciara’s look was completed with a sleek, blunt bob haircut and sparkling diamond jewellery, exuding sophisticated glamour that perfectly suited the grandeur of the Cannes amfAR Gala. This appearance cemented her status as a fashion icon who appreciates minimalist yet statement-making couture.
However, the evening’s highlights extended beyond the red carpet. When Ciara took the stage for her performance, she switched gears and showcased a powerful collaboration with Indian fashion. She wore the ‘Black Sabre’ jacket dress, designed by acclaimed Indian couturier Gaurav Gupta.
It was a layered peplum black jacket dress featuring woven sacred ‘shlokas’ (chants) from the ‘Across The Flame’ collection showcased at Paris Couture Week SS’25.
Known for his sculptural and avant-garde approach, Gupta’s design was an artistic blend of contemporary structure and traditional Indian textile craftsmanship. The jacket dress featured layered tailoring and intricate embroidery, which is a hallmark of Indian partisanship.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the dress was imbued with cultural significance, woven with sacred chants that added a spiritual and emotional depth to Ciara’s stage presence. This blend of art, culture, and fashion highlighted the beauty of global interconnectedness and Ciara’s thoughtful embrace of diverse heritage in her wardrobe choices.
The ‘Black Sabre’ piece was more than just a performance outfit; it was a bold statement of identity and creativity. By choosing an Indian designer for her stage look, Ciara elevated the visibility of Indian fashion on an international platform, celebrating its rich history and contemporary evolution.
The contrast between the minimalistic yet dramatic Stéphane Rolland gown and the complex, layered Indian jacket dress perfectly encapsulated Ciara’s dynamic persona — one that is equally at ease in refined elegance and daring innovation.
Ciara’s dual look at the amfAR Gala went beyond mere style. They told a story of fusion and respect for craftsmanship across cultures. Her choices reflected a broader trend in the fashion industry where boundaries blur, and designers draw inspiration from global traditions to create something truly unique and relevant today.
Ciara’s presence at the gala was a celebration of art in its many forms — from haute couture’s sculptural silhouettes to the intricate handwork of Indian textiles. She demonstrated how fashion can be a medium for storytelling, cultural exchange, and personal expression. This event will be remembered not only for the star-studded glamour but for Ciara’s impeccable taste and meaningful nod to Indian design.
Her inspiring style narrative at the Cannes amfAR Gala 2025 reminds us how the world of fashion is evolving — embracing diversity, innovation, and heritage in one seamless ensemble.