The Stars Shine Down (title coutesy SS): Cannes Red Carpet 2013 Ladies

Amongst the most glamorous star-studded red-carpet affairs counts Cannes, status-elevated even more due to our large desi-brigade of glitterati attendance. Year 2013 rolled out for the 66th chapter in full glory once again replete with flair and panache and disasters. 

Vidya Balan: The muse has gone too far!
Beginning close to home, do you guys think Vidya Balan's gone a little too far in attempts to be non-streamlined with convention? We wonder if it is on purpose -- where in her alternate reality, outstanding in a negative manner is great too. I know she's one of the most brilliant actors of modern-day Bollywood with super-talent galore... Yet, damn me for saying this, but her stints are kind of a national embarrassment. Out of the plethora of spectacular heritage inspired fashion unlike any other in the world at her disposal, she chooses these! And I am absolutely disappointed to know that Sabyasachi could even create such abominations. Sabya I believe is one label that is losing it's signature's charm. The media is deeming Vidya's ensembles 'matronly', 'horror' and what not. I would like to say something is delusional and seriously wrong. If it was the regal sethani vibe Balan-Mukherjee duo were going for with an added dash of fervent Bengali style, the quintessential muse sadly dies a tragic death (My colleague Priyanka says Chandrakanta).

In Sabyasachi, Opening Ceremony, May 15, 2013

In Sabyasachi and jewellery by Amrapali

Balan arrives at Hotel Martinez in Sabyasachi

In Sabyasachi, Sujana pearls, and Salvatore Ferragamo handbag at the premier of Un Chateau en Italie

In Sabyasachi at the Cannes Jury Photocall

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Splendour style
Coming on to Aishwarya, I remember back in the days when I had a very neutral opinion on her. I didn't notice much either way. Then came a day when I had the opportunity to meet her at a Longine's launch where I was representing our magazine -- all my non-chalance did a U-turn and how! Let me tell you this my dear readers, here is one woman who is surreal. She literally generates an aura of magical luminescence around her (and I am not exaggerating). The post-pregnancy weight... the ghastly Abu Jani/ Sandeep Khosla's... the teapot poses for the paparazzi of her former years -- all fly out the window. And from that day on, I am in extreme awe of Mrs Rai Bachchan, so much that who cares about red-carpet blunders when you are the most beautiful woman in the entire universe.

And blunder it was not for her this time at Cannes. The visions began with her looking ultra-stylish in an ensemble consisting of a crisp white shirt by Saint Laurent and a mermaid skirt by Zac Posen paired with an Armani belt as she cuddled baby Aaradhya.  Later, she embodied chic once again at the premiere of Inside Lewyn Davis in an Elie Saab noir gown. Radiance was her, as she sashayed down under camera glares working a wavy hairdo (alright, you must have realised by now that I am a fan girl here). Even a Sabyasachi gold and black number lent her a very resplendent charm which she wore on the evening gala celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema and the filming of Bombay Talkies. For photo-ops, she donned a black pant-suit with lace accents. The red lips were dazzling. And we are not quite complaining about the Jani/ Khosla floor-length anarkali she put on for the premiere of Blood Ties.

In Sabyasachi

In Zac Posen skirt, Saint Laurent shirt and Armani Belt

Elie Saab couture gown with beaded work

Black pant-suit for photo-ops

In Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Sonam Kapoor: Dash of freshness as usual

Quirky and breathless, Sonam is a universal red-carpet favourite. She once again enthralls in her outfits that span a wide variety of silhouettes and I love how each is such a surprise. From the black and white Shehla Khan lehenga paired with Chopard jewels to the voluminous Dolce & Gabanna number she wore to one of the premieres; Sonam did it all right so far. And even though critics panned her Anamika Khanna couture sari that she wore in The Great Gatsby screening, I beg to differ -- she looked flawless with the long jacket-styled encounter, and the nath (nose-ring) which I usually consider trashy looked fabulous on her.

In Shehla Khan with Chopard jewels for the Trophee Chopard party

In Anamika Khanna, Jimmy Choo shoes (not seen here) and Sunita K Jewels

In Dolce & Gabanna with Sunita K Jewels for the Jeune & Jolie premiere

And some more:
Sherlyn Chopra shocks with this sheer number for The Blind Detective screening. Attending this year for her film Kamasutra 3D, where's the fun and drama without such stints?

Some sheer black bodysuit-dress thingy with a bikini and neck jewels

I must say, Mallika Sherawat looked good in her Dolce & Gabanna although she should have donned an updo. Playing safe never fails, especially after her previous lehenga-choli fiasco.

Mallika Sherawat in Dolce & Gabanna

Frieda Pinto put on a lusty, risque slitted twenties-style gown for the Jeune & Jolie premiere. She paired it with Jimmy Choo Lance sandals. On day one, she had worn a romantic Gucci gown.

Day one in Gucci

Well that's all folks; I am too lazy to write about the men.