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10 SECOND TAKE: It's plain to see that actor Mahira Khan is hitting her stride in the French Riviera. The actor has championed a cool balance of emerging Pakistani labels with established European names. She looks her best when she stays true to her young and effortless vibe. (Fittingly, her off-duty looks are spot on.) But throw a mega-watt, red carpet event her way and it could really go either way. Here's how her week at Cannes shaped up.
Mahira Khan in Élan
For her first outing she wore a resort-friendly printed kimono with harem pants and a cropped halter, all by Pakistani favourite Élan. Designer Khadijah Shah might be better known for her bridal ensembles on home turf, but her holiday-ready look worked swimmingly! She teamed them with 'Plankton' earrings by designer Zohra Rahman. This is one brand you've got to bookmark. Rahman is inspired by all manner of odd things, such as edges of ripped paper, paper clips, sea creatures and more that feed into her collection.
…in Solace London
Oversized sleeves? Check. Yellow? Check. Flared trousers? Check. Khan ticked all the right boxes — and some major Spring Summer 2018 trends — with this look from Solace London. Long-time friends and designers Laura Taylor and Ryan Holliday-Stevens champion a minimal and modern look. The brand born in 2013 has been a label to watch, with retailers like Net-a-porter and Asos picking it up. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Bella Hadid and Chrissy Teigen have been spotted in it. Props to Khan for the fresh-faced, dewy makeup, and statement earrings too.
…in Leonard Paris
Pyjama dressing for the day isn't for the faint of heart. I'm glad Khan took on the challenge. Except the watercolour florals on the Leonard Paris suit was overpowering. Beach waves and flats would've done this glamorous out-of-bed look more justice.
…in Menahel and Mehreen
Can't say I'm a big fan of the look. The fishtail braids were a good idea. But the look said nothing about the actor or for that matter about the designers' unique voice (if there was one).
…in Nicolas Jebran
Every now and then, the Lebanese designer strategically surfaces at some of the most-anticipated events — Grammys, VMAs, and what have you. He's dressed names like Jennifer Lopez, Cindy Crawford, Celine Dion, and Gigi Hadid and yet, oddly, he's not quite a household name yet. Khan chose a dramatic puff-sleeved gown by Jebran, which was one of my favourite looks on the actor. She also found herself in good company, what with Kendall Jenner wearing an embellished sweatshirt-dress by the designer to Cannes this year.
…in Blumarine
The breezy Bardot dress did wonders for the actor. The floor-skimming number from the luxury Italian fashion house was equal parts romantic and occasion appropriate.
…in Maison Yeya and Alberta Ferretti
The Dubai-based brand might have less currency with fashion editors. But you'll find their ornate — even ostentatious — creations on shoppers who won't think twice before tearing a fat check. Their gowns are made with a rich, boring sameness. While the lilac dress Khan picked wasn't particularly extraordinary, she did look radiant.
She also wore a similar Alberta Ferretti gown in black a night before.
…in Ermanno Scervino
The powder-blue suit from the Italian label was an interesting (and flattering!) choice. The brand, founded by Ermanno Daelli and Toni Scervino in the year 2000, has found favour with fashion's 'It' girls and editors alike. The label employs arresting details in their ready-to-wear pieces – splashes of lace, jackets cinched just so, picture-pretty ruffles and more. It's also been spotted on Amal Clooney, Zoe Saldana, and Rita Ora among others.