Cannes is one of those cities we’ve always been excited to visit. Beyond its stunning beauty, it’s the warmth and charm of the people that have left a lasting impression on us. The city’s picturesque streets, calming atmosphere, and our delightful personal experiences here have been unforgettable, but it’s the genuine connections and friendships we’ve made here that make each visit so special.
This year, our dear friend and global icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was all set to make her annual appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, and she wanted us to dress her for the prestigious occasion. After months of preparations, it was finally time to fly down to one of our favourite cities in the world, Cannes. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of dressing a host of celebrities for their red carpet appearances, and last year, we had our own debut moment on the red carpet, which was mesmerising, to say the least. This year, we were thrilled to accompany our friend Aishwarya to the film festival and were immensely excited to have her showcase our designs for two red carpet events.
Upon touchdown, we and Aishwarya were met by the L’Oréal team who warmly greeted us and welcomed us at Cannes. We headed straight to one of the most sought-after hotels in the whole wide world, the Martinez Hotel. The luxe property in Cannes is an iconic symbol of luxury, elegance, and cinematic history on the French Riviera. Established in 1929, the hotel has stood as an epitome of opulence, attracting the world’s elite and serving as a glamorous backdrop for the Cannes Film Festival. Its stunning Art Deco architecture, with a striking white façade and signature blue awnings, exudes a certain charm and classic aura. The interior of the Martinez Hotel is equally beautiful, with lavishly designed rooms and suites that offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The grand marble lobby, adorned with exquisite chandeliers and stylish furnishings, creates an ambience of refined luxury from the moment guests step inside.
One of the many reasons the Martinez Hotel is so special is its deep connection to the world of cinema. For decades, it has hosted countless celebrities, filmmakers, and industry professionals, becoming an integral part of the Cannes Film Festival experience. The hotel’s renowned Palme d’Or Suite is named after the festival’s prestigious award and offers unmatched luxury with its panoramic views and sumptuous décor. The Martinez also boasts exceptional dining experiences, such as La Palme d’Or, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that attracts guests with its innovative cuisine and elegant atmosphere. One can be sure to catch a known name from the film fraternity enjoying the scrumptious meals offered here.
Beyond its association with the film festival, the Martinez Hotel is celebrated for its impeccable service and commitment to excellence. When we arrived, we were impressed by the staff’s attention to detail and dedication to providing an unforgettable experience that made us feel special. We were escorted to our suite and the moment we were inside, we couldn’t help but marvel at the view from the balcony. The balcony gave us a quick flashback of numerous iconic celebrities who have been photographed standing there.
Immediately after settling down, we got straight to business. The next two days flew by as we kept pace with Aishwarya’s movie schedules and planned appearances. From making last-minute fixes to her outfits to coordinating with her glam team on the final looks, and everything in between, we were swamped. Yet, we savoured every minute of it, enjoying the whirlwind of activity and the excitement that came with ensuring Aishwarya looked absolutely stunning for her red carpet moments!
The two days we spent working with Aishwarya were the best and we had so much fun. She’s a gem of a person and an icon for every right reason. After the event, Aishwarya headed back, leaving us with a day to ourselves. So, we decided to make the most of it by exploring the city, and doing our favourite thing in the first half of our day off: strolling around the charming streets of Cannes. It’s an unspoken pact of sorts that we have that no matter which city we visit, we will explore it on foot, walking and taking in all the breathtaking views. It also gives us ample time to appreciate the city and its noteworthy architectural marvels. Martinez’s location on the famed Boulevard de la Croisette places it at the heart of Cannes’ eclectic cultural scene, with easy access to upscale boutiques, art galleries, and historic landmarks. While we did not have much time to explore it all, we stopped by one of the restaurants dotted by the shores and indulged in some delectable French food there. It was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the city. The latter half of the day, we decided to spend at our hotel’s private beach, the largest in Cannes, which offered us a serene retreat where we could bask in the sun and enjoy the pristine waters of the Mediterranean. What a peaceful moment it was!
After a leisurely, French-esque day in Cannes, we headed back to our suite to pack our bags and prepare for the journey home. Every time we’re at Cannes, we promise ourselves we won’t wait until the next year’s edition of the film festival to return, and this time, our resolve is even stronger. We hope that our next Cannes travelogue is less than a year away, so we can once again indulge in the magic of this beautiful city sooner rather than later!