Nancy Tyagi’s Cannes Debut Sparks Fashion Authenticity Debate

Nancy Tyagi, a prominent Indian fashion influencer, made headlines at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with her striking red carpet appearance. However, her claim of designing and stitching her own outfit has ignited a debate on fashion originality and authenticity within the Indian entertainment industry.

A Glamorous Entrance

Nancy Tyagi graced the Cannes red carpet in a beige corset dress paired with a flowing cape. She asserted that she had designed and stitched the ensemble herself, showcasing her skills as a self-made fashion designer. Her appearance was met with admiration, as many praised her for representing Indian talent on an international platform.

Controversy Unfolds

The celebration was short-lived when singer Neha Bhasin challenged Nancy’s claim by sharing images of a similar corset dress she had previously worn. Neha alleged that the outfit was from the fashion brand The Source Bombay, suggesting that Nancy’s dress was not an original creation. This revelation sparked discussions about the importance of crediting original designers and maintaining authenticity in fashion statements.

Brand Confirmation

Adding to the controversy, Surbhi Gupta, the founder of The Source Bombay, confirmed that Nancy had purchased the dress for ₹25,000 and did not stitch it herself. However, she acknowledged that the cape accompanying the dress might have been self-made. This clarification further fueled the debate on social media platforms, with users expressing disappointment over the misrepresentation.

Industry Reactions

The incident caught the attention of Diet Sabya, an anonymous fashion policing Instagram account known for calling out plagiarism in the fashion industry. Diet Sabya highlighted that the original design of the chain corset was popularized by the Western label The Blonds and later introduced to India by designer Raakesh Agarwal. This information emphasized the need for transparency and originality in fashion choices, especially when presented on global stages like Cannes.

Neha Bhasin’s Perspective

Neha Bhasin clarified that her intention was not to demean Nancy Tyagi but to highlight the importance of originality and the efforts of self-made artists. She emphasized the need for upcoming designers and influencers to acknowledge their inspirations and give due credit to original creators, fostering a culture of respect and authenticity in the fashion industry.

Broader Implications

This incident has opened up conversations about the challenges faced by emerging designers and influencers in establishing credibility. It underscores the significance of honesty and transparency in creative professions, where originality is highly valued. The fashion industry, both in India and globally, continues to grapple with issues of plagiarism and the fine line between inspiration and imitation.