Making her debut in a beautiful, hand - embroidered outfit that celebrates femininity and strength, Nitibha Kaul talks about what it means to be at a global event like the Cannes Film Festival 2025.
The French Riviera has become the centre of all things arts and fashion. With artists from across the globe walking the red carpet to celebrate films and culture, the Cannes Film Festival is all we can talk about. The fact that many Indian content creators have also made their mark at this prestigious event with their presence is even more newsworthy. Nitibha Kaul is one of the many who made their debut this year and had people talking with her intricate and stunning pastel gown.
Kaul appeared in a couture creation by Nicol Sposa that reflected both, refined craftsmanship and the quiet strength of her presence. The gown was hand-embroidered in a delicate pastel mint palette, with intricate detailing that celebrates artisanal tradition. The final ensemble, according to Nicol Sposa, was a tribute to femininity, strength, and the enduring beauty of individuality - perfectly aligned with Nitibha’s own unique aura.
Also Read: Inside Sonam Chhabra's Cannes comeback and her take on the growing representation of digital celebrities on global platforms
In a conversation with us, Kaul talks about her Cannes debut, the gravity of having more Indian representation, conversations around creators walking the carpet and more.
What was going through your mind as you walked the iconic red carpet at Cannes Film Festival 2025?
I had to keep telling myself - “This is real. You’re actually doing this.” It was a mix of being completely present and emotionally overwhelmed. I wasn’t just walking as a creator, but as a founder too. I launched Alt K this year, and to already be at Cannes, repping my own brand on such a global stage, it honestly gave me goosebumps.
From your feed to the steps of the Palais des Festivals—how surreal is this moment for you?
It’s wild! I still remember shooting content in my room back in Delhi, figuring things out on my own. And now to be here, it’s such a proud moment. Especially because this year’s already been so huge for me -launching a brand, taking big personal and professional leaps, this moment just feels like it ties it all together.
What does representing your country, your community, or your audience at Cannes mean to you?
Everything! As a Kashmiri Pandit, an Indian woman, as someone who’s built her platform from scratch - it feels personal. I carry my roots, my values, and my people with me. I hope that when someone from my audience sees me here, they feel like they’re right here too.
Tell us about the outfit. Was there a creative direction behind your look today? How involved were you in curating it?
Very involved, like every detail kind of involved! I worked with my stylist, Dolla and we knew we didn’t want to play it safe. We wanted drama, glamour, and a bit of storytelling. Even my makeup was intentional. I wanted to subtly highlight Alt K, because this wasn’t just about fashion, it was also about owning my identity as a beauty founder.
What went into preparing for this moment - emotionally, logistically, creatively?
So much! Emotionally, I prepped with my #30WithNK challenge. It was my way of pushing myself to get into the best shape mentally, physically, and emotionally. It really helped me centre myself before such a huge milestone. Logistically, Cannes is madness. From time zones, fittings, approvals, brand alignments, it’s a full production. But creatively? It was such a joy to build this moment with intention.
How do you think creators are shaping the entertainment and fashion industries today?
We’re no longer just on the sidelines, we’re in the centre now. Creators bring something raw and real to the table. We’ve built communities, we know how to tell stories, and we’ve made fashion and beauty more accessible. And now, we’re also building our own brands and stepping into spaces that once felt closed off. It’s powerful.
Do you see this moment as a shift from being ‘just a content creator’ to something more for you?
Hundred per cent. I don’t even see myself as “just a creator” anymore. I’m a founder, a storyteller, and a businesswoman. Cannes feels like a moment that marks that shift. I’ve built something real with Alt K, and now I’m stepping into rooms not just as talent, but as someone building her own table.
Why do you think it makes sense to have creators walk at a global platform like Cannes?
Because we’re shaping culture every day, we’re not just showcasing someone else’s vision anymore, we’re building our own. We’ve got reach, influence, and the kind of authenticity that people deeply connect with. It only makes sense for us to be here.
What’s different about being a creator at Cannes from what people see on Instagram?
Oh my god, so much! Instagram shows the glam, the gown, the perfect shot. What it doesn’t show is the chaos, last-minute outfit changes, shooting content in heels at 3 PM in the sun, editing in the car, praying your hair doesn’t frizz before your slot. But honestly? That madness is part of the fun.
There’s always a conversation around creators attending Cannes. While some raise questions, others support it. What do you have to say about it?
I get it, but I think we need to evolve the conversation. We’re not here just to take photos, we’re here because we’ve built platforms, businesses, and impact. I’m not here as a plus-one, I’m here because I’ve earned my seat. And honestly? The world needs more spaces where different kinds of success are celebrated.
Did you have any expectations for the festival, and were they fulfilled?
I expected it to be overwhelming, but in the best way. What surprised me is how empowered I felt. Meeting creators from around the world, hearing stories, sharing space, it just reminded me that we’re all more connected than we think.
What do you want your audience to feel when they see you here?
I want them to feel like we did this together. That if I can be here, someone who started from scratch, pivoted careers, built a brand - they can too. I hope they feel inspired, represented, and reminded that they’re capable of rewriting their own stories, however big or small.
What do you think of Nitibha's outfit and her debut at Cannes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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