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Updated 16 May, 2016

The Cannes Film Festival is a huge moment for fashion, and rightly so — the event sees dozens of stars and starlets strut down the red carpet in their designer best, setting the tone for the year to come.

Of late Bollywood stars have been making a name for themselves on the Cannes red carpet. Aishwarya Rai has been a mainstay at Cannes going on 15 years now, and though Sonam Kapoor is a relatively new face to the event, she's made waves as a style star and fashionista of epic proportions.

Also read: Aishwarya finally makes Cannes 2016 debut, sweeps red carpet with gold cape

So did Sonam and Aishwarya impress this time around? Yes and no.

What did Aishwarya get right? A beaded gown and old-Hollywood makeup

Finally, Aish moves away from clinging mermaid-style gowns and chooses a classic A-line Elie Saab silhouette. Win! The looks suits her. Her choice of colour for the gown is on point too: the nude is subtle, womanly, and doesn't leave much room for a fashion faux pas.

This fit-and-flare gown flatters her figure. So does the grownup lipstick.
This fit-and-flare gown flatters her figure. So does the grownup lipstick.

Flattering also is her rich maroon lip. She's on-trend as dark lips are all the rage right now.

What did Aishwarya get wrong? A purple lip. Cringe

Unfortunately, her choice of lipstick was not quite right the next time around. For her next appearance the actress wore a Rami Kadi floral embellished gown which we do NOT love. The off-shoulder sleeves are ill-fitting, cutting into her arms and creating all manner of bumps.

But that's a lesser offence.

Step away from the lipstick!
Step away from the lipstick!

What we really dislike is the lipstick, which is so... odd, that we can't help but wish we'd been around to run up to her and scrub it off. Honestly, a mauve lip reminds us of only one thing: a zombie movie. It doesn't work unless you're Lady Gaga. It most certainly doesn't work when you're a classic beauty like Aishwarya.

The lipstick is totally at odds with her princessy gown and is a major fashion fail for us. It even inspired a round of memes on the internet — unfortunate, but also hilarious.

Ouch.

What did Sonam Kapoor get right? This futuristic sari

This look wouldn't have been out of place if Sonam Kapoor had worn it to the Met Gala, with its fashion-meets-technology theme.

Slay.
Slay.

Sonam's Rimzim Dadu is visually stunning and endlessly fascinating. We wonder: what exactly is it made of? How does it manage to look like it's equal parts armour and delicate silk?

Luckily, Sonam made the right choice to keep the focus on her sari by opting for minimal hair and makeup. With this look, Sonam proves she's a style star for a reason.

What did Sonam get wrong? This overwhelming white gown

Sonam's looks work best when she plays up her young, sassy side, and this gown just doesn't do her personality justice.

A bit too old, don't you think?
A bit too old, don't you think?

The gown is by Ralph & Russo, a design house Sonam often favours. But this look is too severe for our liking.

The fit is off too!
The fit is off too!

We feel the fabric is too stiff and boxy for a summery affair like the Cannes Film Festival. And the cape? Overkill. Also, it's oddly reminiscent of Rihanna's iconic gold gown at last year's Met Gala.

Comments

Nausheen M May 16, 2016 01:56pm
Since it's Aishwarya Rai, even the purple lips look good on her.
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waleed KARACHI May 16, 2016 02:33pm
both are senior ladies..i have been watching them since child hood.
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divergence May 16, 2016 02:49pm
Mediocre dresses at both occasions for Aishwariya, however, makeup saves the day for her on the first day's appearance. I am not usually a fan of Sonam Kapoor's style, but her blue and black sari with very good makeup is giving her an edge. Average looking dress the next day.
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MB May 16, 2016 03:10pm
I loved the lipstick, it looks beautiful on her. Maybe a simple dress would have been less overwhelming
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charu May 16, 2016 03:19pm
they both look terrible...and the thing is these people can actually look very good just wearing simple clothes...i wish i could start a charity which would give them simple stylisg clothes for a much smaller amount of money....and the mony they were planning to spend on high end fashion could be donated...not only will they have made a statement, but gtten free from constant criticism
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Satt May 16, 2016 04:02pm
I like the Blue lipstick..its an indication of today's state of the world where our beautiful world is turning blue.
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SAEED MASOOD May 16, 2016 04:37pm
Scary aunty...
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divergence May 16, 2016 06:00pm
As always mediocre ASH, makeup saved the day for her when she wore golden gown. Sonam looked good in black and blue sari, interesting stuff, her makeup was also tasteful.
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Urmi May 16, 2016 08:48pm
Lipstick is looking out of place Ashwairya ,
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Saira khan durrani May 16, 2016 10:08pm
Nice lipstick!
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Syrus India May 17, 2016 02:32am
I think Aishwarya's lipstick was just a bold statement. It's different and I really liked it. Well Done Aish!
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Sare Jahan Se Achchha May 17, 2016 07:50am
It's about time Ash realise less is more... just tone down the makeup & you'd look great! I wish instead of a purple lipstick you had worn a baby pink or a maroon & you'd have looked great! 9 out of 10 to Sonam for the creativity.... whatever it may be on the red carpet... you really are making the country proud!!! Well done girls & go strong!
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Dipak Singh May 17, 2016 10:32am
Aishwarya's eyes & lipstick combination steal the Show :) its bold & beauty.
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DELHIITE! May 17, 2016 06:43pm
And I thought I was the only one who loved the lip color. Nah! There are many others who love it.. Even the dress is gorgeous, isn't it?
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