KKN Gurugram Desk | Indian actress and entrepreneur Parul Gulati turned heads and stole the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 with a unique and bold red carpet look — a strapless gown crafted entirely from human hair. Designed by the innovative label ITRH², the gown sparked global conversation around sustainable fashion, creativity, and individuality in an industry known for extravagance and visual glamour.

Parul’s look not only stood out in a sea of sequins and tulle but also challenged the norms of red carpet dressing, making her one of the most talked-about Indian personalities at this year’s Cannes.

A Gown Like No Other: The Hair-Made Masterpiece

While the Cannes red carpet has always been known for daring and unforgettable fashion choices, Parul Gulati’s outfit took the concept of “haute couture” to a whole new level. Crafted entirely from finely woven human hair, the gown had the visual sheen and texture of silk or satin from afar, creating an illusion of softness and fluidity. However, upon closer inspection, the garment revealed intricate braids and textures that brought attention to its material origin — real hair.

Key Highlights:

• Material: 100% natural human hair

• Design: Strapless, body-hugging silhouette with a fringe hem

• Designer: ITRH² Label

• Inspiration: A blend of sustainability, creativity, and body autonomy

• Makeup Look: Rosy nude tones with a soft base

• Hair Styling: Side part, low bun with face-framing strands

Speaking to Brut India, Parul confirmed that the gown was indeed made of braided human hair, leaving the audience amazed. “It might look like satin from a distance,” she said, “but it’s actually hand-braided hair woven into fabric.”

Who Is Parul Gulati?

For those less familiar, Parul Gulati is an Indian actress known for her work in regional cinema, Hindi web series, and as the founder of Nish Hair, a brand specializing in hair extensions and wigs. Her entrepreneurial journey has been widely praised for empowering women and normalizing conversations around hair loss, beauty standards, and body image.

Parul has always been an advocate for bold personal choices, and her red carpet appearance at Cannes reflects her philosophy of merging aesthetic risk-taking with meaningful narratives.

Behind the Dress: The Vision of ITRH²

The gown was created by the fashion label ITRH², a brand known for fusing avant-garde craftsmanship with sustainable innovation. The designers shared that the dress took weeks of intensive labor, with each strand of hair carefully selected and braided to form a cohesive fabric. The material was then treated and structured into a wearable, fluid form.

In a statement, the design team at ITRH² said:

“This gown is more than just a fashion piece; it is wearable art. We wanted to challenge what materials are deemed luxurious and explore how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into red carpet fashion.”

They added that working with hair was extremely challenging due to its delicate nature, but the results were worth the effort. The final product reflected precision, patience, and purpose.

The Sustainability Angle: Red Carpet Goes Green

At a time when fashion is being critiqued for its role in global pollution, Parul’s gown offers a bold counter-narrative. The use of natural, biodegradable materials — in this case, hair — aligns with the broader push towards eco-conscious couture.

Hair, as a byproduct of human grooming, often goes to waste. By transforming it into a luxury garment, ITRH² and Parul Gulati are questioning not only the definition of “waste” but also the materials we consider fashionable or acceptable.

This innovation adds to the sustainable fashion discourse dominating global events like Cannes, where designers and celebrities are now embracing themes of upcycling, minimalism, and ethical sourcing.

Red Carpet Reaction: Applause, Curiosity, and Debate

Parul’s red carpet moment quickly went viral across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Fashion critics, fans, and sustainability advocates had much to say.

Social Media Buzz:

• #ParulGulatiAtCannes started trending within hours

• Multiple fashion bloggers praised the gown as a “revolution in red carpet styling”

• Sustainability advocates applauded the environmental consciousness of the design

• Some fashion traditionalists were skeptical, asking whether the material choice was appropriate

However, the overwhelming sentiment was one of admiration for originality, courage, and concept execution.

Makeup and Hair: Understated Elegance

To balance the boldness of the gown, Parul opted for a soft, minimalistic makeup look, featuring:

• Rosy nude lips

• Subtle shimmer on eyelids

• Flawless matte base with light contouring

Her hair was styled in a neat low bun, with face-framing tendrils, creating a look that was both classic and editorial. The choice allowed her gown to remain the focal point while ensuring she looked red carpet–ready.

Fashion Industry Reactions

Industry insiders have hailed Parul’s look as one of the most iconic and disruptive moments at Cannes 2025. In a space where fashion often borders on the repetitive, her choice brought originality and conversation back to the red carpet.

Celebrity stylist Aastha Sharma commented on Instagram:

“This is what fashion is all about. Expression, art, and risk. Kudos to Parul and ITRH² for making a powerful statement.”

Redefining Beauty and Boldness

Parul’s decision to wear a gown made of hair also opens up broader discussions around beauty, ownership, and bodily autonomy. Hair has long been considered a symbol of identity and femininity. By literally wearing hair as clothing, she blurs the lines between personal aesthetics and artistic fashion, adding a layer of feminist symbolism to her look.

Cannes 2025: A Year of Risk-Takers

This year’s Cannes Film Festival has seen a range of experimental and thought-provoking fashion choices, but Parul Gulati’s gown has arguably been the most memorable. While many celebrities opted for safe, couture classics, Parul dared to be different — and succeeded.

Her bold sartorial move cements her place as a rising global fashion voice, especially among Indian creatives breaking into international circuits.

With her hair-crafted gown, Parul Gulati has shown that fashion is more than glamor — it’s a platform for art, expression, and activism. Whether applauded or debated, her appearance has made a lasting impact, proving that individuality still has a place in high fashion.

As Cannes 2025 continues, one thing is clear: Parul’s daring outfit will be remembered long after the festival ends — not just as a viral moment, but as a landmark in sustainable, conceptual fashion.