Cannes 2026: Manish Malhotra Brings Assam To Cannes As Urmimala & Snigdha Turn Red Carpet Into A Statement

Indian couturier Manish Malhotra brought Assamese heritage into the global fashion conversation at the Cannes Film Festival 2026 as mother-daughter duo Urmimala Baruah and Snigdha Baruah made a striking appearance in custom couture inspired by the cultural identity of Northeast India.

At a Cannes season where Indian designers and celebrities have increasingly leaned into heritage storytelling, the Baruahs' appearance stood out for something larger than fashion, it triggered a conversation around how regional identities from Northeast India are represented (or underrepresented) in mainstream cultural spaces.

Designed by Manish Malhotra, the couture reinterpreted Assamese tradition through a modern global lens, placing regional craft, symbolism, and identity within the framework of international luxury fashion.

Speaking about the moment, Urmimala Baruah said, "This appearance is not just about fashion. It is about visibility. For a long time, the Northeast has not always been part of the mainstream narrative, and moments like this help bring that identity forward in a global space like Cannes."

Snigdha Baruah added, "We are not trying to fit into a larger narrative, we are trying to ensure our own story is seen. Assam and the Northeast have their own identity, and it deserves equal space on global platforms like this."

Snigdha appeared in a blush silk ensemble detailed with hand-strung pearls and a statement ruby-and-diamond necklace, while Urmimala wore a midnight-violet silhouette highlighted with crystals and statement amethyst jewellery. Together, the looks reflected a growing shift in Indian couture, where regional identity is becoming central to global fashion storytelling.

Founders of the UMB Pageants initiative, the duo has been actively working to create platforms for women from Assam and the Northeast, focusing on visibility, representation, and cultural confidence on national and international stages.

Their Cannes 2026 appearance ultimately became more than a red-carpet moment, it became part of a larger cultural conversation about inclusion, identity, and how India presents its regional voices to the world through fashion.