What will Ash wear at Cannes?

What will Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wear on the Cannes red carpet? Designers suggest Indianwear and draped silhouettes to hide the extra weight.

The filmi world is buzzing with talk of the Festival de Cannes. Every year, the festival kicks up excitement about its red carpet appearances. On Friday, Sonam Kapoor tweeted about the 'madness of Cannes beginning', and other Indian actresses and celebrities are busy with last-minute fittings and trials. The festival begins on May 16 and everyone is wondering what the celebs will wear to the event.

Among others, there's a lot of buzz about what Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will wear considering her post-pregnancy weight. This will be the 11th consecutive year that ash will attend the film festival and she is expected to be seen there on May 24.

A source confirms her presence, saying, "Aishwarya will be travelling to Cannes with daughter." Seems like six-month-old Aaradhya is accompanying her mother on all her trips. In April, Ash took her along to Dubai where the actress attended an event.

But the main question is Ash's attire for the festival. In 2011, on the red carpet, she wore an Elie Saab Spring 2011 couture gown, a Jimmy Choo clutch and Chopard jewels; a white and navy Armani Prive gown; and a brown Silk Lanvin trench dress for a photo op. This year, the actress has been in the news for her weight ever since her first appearance after her delivery. She doesn't seem to mind the extra kilos and even some designers state that her beauty comes from within. It's her confidence that wins hearts, they say.

"Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a gorgeous girl, irrespective in what shape she is in; it doesn't matter!" says designer Pria Kataaria Puri. Puri suggests a classic, elegant yet an understated glamorous ensemble for her, that would enhance her beauty and aura and not necessarily her body. "I think she should wear an elegant off-white, black or blush pink sari with beading, or crystals or sequin border and embellished blouse - not overly sexy but more stylish," she adds. If Ash does want to pick a Western look, then it should be a draped and not fitted silhouette. "She could opt for a strapless black gown in chiffon teamed with a shawl or scarf in black," Pria adds.

Or, she could wear a long kaftan to hide her weight, says Leena Singh of Ashima-Leena. "She could enhance the outfit with some applique with muted thread work. The colour black would be ideal. Less embellishments will make sure she doesn't look big," she says.

Aishwarya is enjoying her motherhood phase. "I don't see weight as an issue here; she still looks beautiful," says designer Nachiket Barve. "I think the red carpet could be a great opportunity to promote healthy beauty. If you ask me, I think Aishwarya is a mix of elegance and modernity. A blend of Indian and Western styles can be a good combination for her on the red carpet," he says. But, designer Maheka Mirpuri is more precise when it comes to her fashion advice to Ash. "It definitely has to be a sari. She has a great height and face. And on the red carpet it will be a novelty," she says. Considering her body type, Maheka feels that Mrs Rai-Bachchan should choose minimal colour, maybe coral and emerald as they are the colours of the season. "Thin fabric like chiffon with a delicate border is what I recommend. Also, the blouse can be V-neck with a low sexy back with three quarter sleeves," she says.

Designer Shaahid Amir admits that he's biased because he is extremely fond of Aishwarya. "She is the most beautiful woman and has a sense of Indian aesthetics," he quips. Like Maheka, he too hopes that Ash will wear a sari to the French film festival. "Maybe a Bengali ensemble like the one she wore in the movie Devdas. I am sure she will be able to knock out some weight to look her best," he smiles. Designer Manoviraj Khosla agrees. "Aishwarya defines elegance, class and beauty. Given the circumstances, she should opt for an Indian look. Avoid something that's body hugging or something that would accentuate her curves. A churidaar kurta which would hide her curves is a good option," he advises.

Other celebs who will sport Indian designer outfits at Cannes
Mehr Jessia Rampal will wear an outfit designed by Tarun Tahiliani. She has an option of three, which will be narrowed down post the fittings session this weekend.

Actor Huma Qureshi will sport a Shantanu and Nikhil drape. It will be a strong silhouette - a gown in their signature rustic tone. Let's see which colour she picks - grey, chocolate, beige or black.

Mallika Sherawat will be wearing diamonds by leading French jeweller Boucheron and gowns by Christian Dior and Dolce Gabbana.