Fashion influencer Nancy Tyagi was already a revered figure among young fashion enthusiasts due to her 'outfit from scratch' reels. With her confidence and creativity, she outshined the regulars at Cannes 2024.
"I didn't even dream this big ever," said Nancy Tyagi confidently as she debuted at Cannes 2024 in a self-designed extravagant pink ruffle gown, instantly captivating the world.
At 23, Nancy, a social media influencer well-known for her 'outfit from scratch' Reels series, stood out amidst the crowd of Indian celebrities and influencers at Cannes. Amidst online chatter questioning the exclusivity of the Cannes Film Festival, Nancy's name garnered only praise.
Hailing from Baranwa village in Uttar Pradesh and the daughter of a former factory worker, Nancy became the center of attention, uniting people from all backgrounds on social media to celebrate her success. Her achievement symbolized breaking barriers and gaining global acclaim, overshadowing even Cannes regulars like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Nancy's excellence in fashion went beyond a typical rags-to-riches narrative. Her unique style surpassed that of many celebrities and designers at Cannes 2024, making waves with her self-designed outfits.
The two elaborate and unconventional gowns, crafted by designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock, faced criticism despite Nancy Tyagi's history of creating unforgettable fashion moments at Cannes, including her debut in a yellow Neeta Lulla saree.
Similarly, celebrities like Jacqueline Fernandez, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Sobhita Dhulipala failed to make a lasting impression with their fashion choices at the event.
In contrast, Nancy succeeded in capturing attention with her self-designed dreamy pink gown, meticulously stitched using 1,000 meters of fabric from Seelampur market in New Delhi. It took her over a month to complete the outfit, showcasing her determination to stand out on the crowded red carpet without the assistance of celebrity stylists typically associated with renowned designers.
For her second look, Nancy opted for a more understated yet impressive attire by choosing a self-designed embellished saree as a tribute to Indian fashion. She transformed six yards of fabric sourced from Delhi into a dramatic saree featuring a trendy hood and a backless choli, adding her signature touch to elegance.
Working with highly embellished fabric poses challenges even for seasoned local tailors, who may sometimes refuse to handle such pieces due to their complexity. Nancy, a self-taught artist known for recreating designer outfits worn by celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone on a limited budget, skillfully crafted a stunning saree using her sewing machine.
In addition to her fashion prowess, Nancy showcased her Indianness at Cannes in unique ways. Her choice to respond to an English-speaking journalist in Hindi rather than adopting an artificial accent like some of her peers highlighted her authenticity and set her apart. The Cannes red carpet, once an exclusive affair, has become more crowded over the years, mirroring the trend of social media turning everyday moments into red carpet opportunities.
Amidst this changing landscape, Nancy's ability to leave a lasting impression on a red carpet that is increasingly scrutinized for its significance is truly commendable. Her blend of confidence, courage, creativity, and couture allowed her to make a memorable impact at an event that is evolving in the digital age.