25th May, 2026, New Delhi – For her debut at the Cannes Film Festival, Nitika Gujral brought Indian heritage and generational craftsmanship to the global stage through a deeply personal couture moment. Marking her first appearance at Cannes after over 30 years in couture, Nitika Gujral walked the red carpet alongside her husband and co-founder, Amit Gujral, who wore a classic black sherwani from their label, Nitika Gujral, making the occasion both professionally and personally significant.
The designer wore an 80–90 year old heirloom saree passed down by her grandmother, carefully restored, reworked, and reimagined through the hands of master artisans. Rooted in traditional zardozi and heritage embroidery techniques, the look celebrated the timelessness of Indian craftsmanship while interpreting it through a contemporary global lens.
Adding a deeply emotional layer to the ensemble, the saree carried the thumb imprints of the artisans on the reverse, honouring the invisible hands behind couture and recognising artisanship as a collective effort. The piece reflected Nitika Gujral’s belief that true luxury lies not only in design, but in the people, processes, and stories behind it.
Every element of the look was approached with the intention of showcasing Indian karigari in its purest form where craftsmanship, patience, and handwork remain at the centre of couture. The restoration process involved carefully preserving the original essence of the heirloom while seamlessly integrating contemporary detailing and structure, creating a dialogue between the past and present.
As part of her Cannes presence, Nitika Gujral also showcased the brand’s collection, Noor, at the prestigious Carlton Hotel during the Los Angeles Fashion Closet showcase, presenting the label’s signature blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern couture silhouettes to an international audience. The collection reflected the brand’s philosophy of combining timeless Indian artistry with contemporary elegance, further reinforcing its vision of taking Indian couture to global platforms.”
The moment stood as a celebration of legacy, slow craftsmanship, and heirloom luxury. The entire journey of creating the ensemble from restoration to embroidery to the final drape was also documented, preserving the artistry and process behind the garment as a living archive of Indian couture. The documentation captured not only the making of the outfit, but also the emotional and cultural significance attached to preserving generational craft traditions in an increasingly fast-paced fashion landscape.
Through this appearance, Nitika Gujral presented a modern expression of Indian heritage on an international stage where history, craftsmanship, and contemporary couture came together seamlessly.
