'This Screams KJo': Karan Johar Brings Vintage British Charm At Cannes Film Festival: Walks In Custom Manish Malhotra & Dons 14 Carat Custom Cut Emeralds

At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, filmmaker and style icon Karan Johar turned heads, sparked conversations, and solidified his role as one of India’s most daring fashion exports. Ditching subtlety for grandeur, Johar arrived at the premiere of Homebound in a look that was equal parts vintage opulence and modern spectacle-proof that when KJo shows up, he shows up.

Dressed in a custom ivory bandhgala designed by longtime collaborator Manish Malhotra, Johar delivered a fashion moment that felt like a crossover episode between Bridgerton and Bollywood royalty. The full-length coat featured a woven jacquard collar, worn over a ruffled shirt that added just the right amount of theatricality. But the true showstopper was his choice of accessories-a stunning collection of brooches and collar pins crafted in 18k gold, set with over 14 carats of custom-cut emeralds.

Yes, you read that right-fourteen carats. Johar didn’t just accessorise; he armored himself in glam. In a video he shared on Instagram moments before the red carpet, he can be seen dressing in all glam and bringing the 'KJo' to life. He looked regal and classy in every piece he wore.

Boots, brooches, and bold poses

Never one to shy away from the camera, Johar leaned into his dramatic side with glossy black heeled boots and unapologetically extravagant poses on the red carpet. The movement of his longline coat, almost cinematic in its own right, added flair with every step. For Johar, this wasn’t just about looking good-it was about making a statement. And he did just that, effortlessly.

The premiere of 'Homebound'

Johar was at Cannes for the premiere of Homebound, a deeply anticipated drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced under Johar’s Dharma Productions banner. The film stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa and has earned a prestigious spot in the Un Certain Regard category-an honor made even more noteworthy by the presence of legendary director Martin Scorsese as executive producer. For Johar, Cannes 2025 wasn’t just about couture-it was also about championing Indian cinema on the world stage.

A fashion maverick making global moves

Karan Johar’s flamboyant fashion choices at Cannes speak volumes beyond personal style-they signal a shift in global red carpet dynamics. In a sea of predictable black suits, Johar’s elaborate silhouette and emerald-laden ensemble challenged the norms of menswear and celebrated Indian craftsmanship and maximalism. This is redefining Indian menswear and setting an example for experimenting with fashion rather than just showing up black suits and tuxedos on the red carpet.

Whether through his cinematic ventures or couture risks, Johar continues to blur the lines between filmmaker and fashion figure, reminding the world that style is a story-and he’s more than ready to direct it.