Dubai based entrepreneur and Indian actress, Parul Gulati made an iconic debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, capturing global attention with a bold, deeply personal fashion narrative that unfolded across both the opening and closing ceremonies. Known affectionately online as the Malkinof Nish Hair, Paruls’ presence at Cannes was more than a red carpet moment – it was an entrepreneurial milestone.
Opening Night: Hair as Art, Fashion as Identity
At the world premiere of Eddington, Parul turned heads in a custom couture ensemble brought to life by visionary designers Mohit Rai and Riddhi Bansal, was a sculptural tribute to her brand Nish Hair, which recently celebrated a major expansion with its first international flagship in Al Seef, Dubai. Crafted over a month by 12 skilled artisans, the ensemble fused craftsmanship and concept, celebrating hair as both personal identity and entrepreneurial symbol.
“Walking the red carpet at Cannes has been a dream I’ve nurtured for years. This outfit wasn’t just about style. It was about representing where I come from, and the fearless journey of building something meaningful. Hair gave me my voice – and I wanted that to be my loudest statement.”
– Parul Gulati
Closing Night: A Sci-Fi Remix of Tradition
Her final look at the closing ceremony was a vision of the future. Parul stunned in a Banarasi tissue saree dipped in resin – metallic and sculptural. Designed again by Riddhi Bansal and styled by Mohit Rai, the ensemble shimmered like liquid metal under the sun, blurring lines between tradition and technology, cinema and couture. This futuristic saree wasn’t just a fashion moment – it was the emotional climax of Parul’s Cannes journey.
“I watched La La Land on repeat. Emma Stone’s lin – ‘Maybe I’m not good enough’ – I’ve lived that. But I held on. And this week, I watched Emma Stone on the Cannes screen, breathing the same air. That moment healed something in me.”
– Parul Gulati
Beyond Fashion: A Message to Dreamers
Paruls’ Cannes story is a testament to resilience, imagination, and identity. From debuting a gown crafted from hair to closing in a sci-fi saree, she delivered a masterclass in how style, sentiment, and storytelling can converge to create something timeless. Her dual presence at Cannes not only cemented her as a fashion force but also spotlighted Indian creativity and Dubai’s emergence as a hub for innovation.