Fashion designer Anjali Phougat has always been celebrated for her visionary style and meaningful designs, and her appearance at this year’s Cannes International Film Festival was no exception. The designer looked stunning in an outfit honoring the divine feminine energy. Anjali is widely recognized for the deep thought process behind her creations and is the visionary behind the first-ever Indian spiritual devotion-themed collections—Radha Krishna and Shiv Shakti—showcased on global runways.
Speaking about her Cannes ensemble, she shares, “At Cannes this year, I wore a deeply symbolic couture look titled Anjali Shakti—a tribute to the divine feminine energy that resides within all of us. The ensemble was handcrafted with flowing drapes, intricate metallic crystal embroidery, and elements inspired by ancient sacred geometry. Every thread and silhouette was designed to reflect inner strength, serenity, and the union of beauty with purpose.”
Driven by her mission to use fashion as a force for good, Anjali’s designs have consistently aimed to amplify unheard voices, empower women and girls across borders, and foster cultural dialogue. Explaining the thought process behind her look, she says, “This wasn’t just a fashion choice—it was a soul statement. I meditated on the intention behind the look even before sketching it. I asked myself, ‘What do I want to radiate on that red carpet?’ And the answer was: grace, resilience, and spiritual power. The color palette was chosen based on energy healing principles, with shades that activate the chakras. The styling—from the jewelry to the hairstyle—honored Indian heritage while embracing a universal, timeless elegance.”
Spirituality was woven into the outfit in a truly unique way. “The Anjali Shakti look was a wearable prayer,” she explains. “Sacred mantras were stitched in golden thread inside the lining—close to my heart. I wore healing crystals—rose quartz, labradorite, and citrine—along with Rudraksha beads from my guru Sadguru’s Isha Foundation.”
Rudraksha (Sanskrit: रुद्राक्ष) beads are powerful spiritual symbols in Hinduism, primarily associated with Lord Shiva. The term “Rudraksha” is derived from two Sanskrit words: Rudra, meaning Shiva, and Aksha, meaning eye or tears. According to legend, Rudraksha beads were formed from the tears of Lord Shiva, symbolizing divine compassion and the connection between the heavens and the Earth. Rudraksha beads are said to balance the five elements within the body—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—aligning one with cosmic energies. Rudraksha is believed to influence the heart chakra and the nervous system, aiding in stress relief, blood pressure regulation, and emotional healing.
“These sacred elements were integrated into the embroidery and jewellery to amplify love and intuition,” Anjali adds. “The final touch was a symbolic hand gesture I offered on the red carpet—a simple mudra to channel gratitude and peace. It wasn’t about being seen—it was about being in alignment.” On the connection between fashion and spirituality, she reflects, “Fashion is finally awakening. For too long, it was about external beauty, but now, there’s a conscious shift toward soulful dressing. We’re entering an era where what you wear reflects not just your style but your state of being. Spiritual fashion isn’t a trend—it’s a return to truth. When intention meets design, fashion becomes a force of healing, empowerment, and storytelling. And I’m humbled to be a vessel for that kind of sacred expression on global platforms like Cannes.”
