Natasha Poonawalla sets a new gold standard with a candylicious look at the amfAR Gala in Cannes

After getting all the right attention at the Met Gala earlier this month with a string of theatrical ensembles, philanthropist and businesswoman Natasha Poonawalla took her signature high-octane glamour to the French Riviera this month. Recently, at the prestigious amfAR Gala, held at the storied Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Poonawalla delivered yet another standout moment, this time draped head-to-toe in a gift-wrapped look from fashion label Balenciaga.

Known for treating style as wearable art, Poonawalla's Cannes appearance was a perfect sartorial spectacle. Posed languidly on a white couch, or backdropped by the serene blue of the Riviera, she embodied the kind of glamour that doesn’t just follow trends but defines them.

As part of the beachside fashion shoot from her latest look, she shared the photo dump with her followers on Instagram. To match the vibe of her metallic gilded ensemble, she captioned the pictures and wrote, “Wake up and Show up!” (SIC)

She wore a strapless gold Balenciaga gown from the luxury brand’s Resort 2025 collection that looked like crinkled gold foil. The dress with its sculptural form was completed with a structured bodice, exaggerated volume at the hem, and a dramatic train – the look transformed Poonawalla into a walking piece of contemporary art. The off-shoulder neckline and tiered detailing gave the dress a seamless fluidity catching the reflection of the Riviera in a dramatic light.

While the amfAR Gala drew a constellation of stars from across the globe, Natasha Poonawalla’s presence on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean was a mood in itself. Her accessories were absolutely quirky addition to look with an unconventional styling.