When a confident Nancy Tyagi, clad in a self-designed extravagant pink ruffle gown, spoke these words on the Cannes 2024 red carpet during her debut, the world instantly fell (and felt) for her. The 23-year-old social media influencer, already an admired name among fashion enthusiasts (especially Gen-Z) for her ‘outfit from scratch’ Reels series, was a breath of fresh air amid an influx of Indian celebrities and influencers frolicking around the Cannes red carpet. There were too many this year, leading to online chatter questioning the inclusivity of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
The Rise of a Star
One name that drew no frowns but only praise was Nancy Tyagi. The daughter of a former factory worker and a native of Baranwa village in Uttar Pradesh, Nancy turned out to be the cynosure in that crowd. People from all walks of life united on social media to revel in her win. While celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, and Masaba Gupta lauded her, others took pride in her victory – celebrating how a girl from a humble background paved her way out of the odds to gain global acclaim and outshine Cannes regulars like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Beyond the Rags-to-Riches Story
As humans, we love an inspiring rags-to-riches story. But Nancy is not basking in this Cannes glory solely because of that. Her sartorial excellence exceeded what many celebrities and couturiers could not bring to Cannes 2024. In fact, many turned out to be rather sartorial debacles. Aishwarya’s red carpet looks, usually the most awaited Cannes update for Indians almost every year, were heavily criticized. The two elaborate, extra-quirky gowns designed by Falguni and Shane Peacock didn’t land well, contrasting her previous unforgettable fashion moments in Cannes, including her debut in a yellow Neeta Lulla saree.
Other celebrities like Jacqueline Fernandez, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Sobhita Dhulipala also failed to leave a memorable impression with their fashion choices this year. Nancy, on the other hand, stole the spotlight in a dreamy pink gown that she stitched herself with utmost finesse using 1,000 meters of fabric sourced from the lanes of Seelampur market in New Delhi. It took her over a month to create that outfit. In her mind, she knew she had to make something elaborate that would win her attention on the otherwise swamped red carpet. She did so without an entourage of celebrity stylists or relying on couturiers and their army of karigars who stitch their vision together.
A Self-Made Icon
Nancy Tyagi’s Cannes debut is more than just a rags-to-riches tale. It is a testament to her talent, determination, and the ability to make her dreams come true against all odds. Her journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to the glamorous red carpet of Cannes is an inspiration for many, proving that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.