'Blingtastic Barbie' swaps Dubai for Cannes, Farhana Bodi puts UAE on fashion map

Dubai: “It’s not just a dress—it’s a statement. My bling Barbie moment,” declared Dubai Bling star and model Farhana Bodi to Gulf News, right after she walked the opening night red carpet at Cannes Film Festival last night.

And subtle? That’s never on her style mood board—especially not at Cannes.

“I felt like a blingtastic Barbie last night ... My look for Cannes 2025 is a love letter to unapologetic femininity and high fashion,” she explained.

“I wanted to channel power, grace, and glamour in one silhouette—like a modern-day icon stepping into her own spotlight. It’s not just a dress; it’s a statement. A reminder that dreams can be worn, not just chased.”

Draped in a custom blush pink creation by Atelier Zuhra, her gown had an asymmetric silhouette, andsculptural ruffles.

And let’s get one thing clear—she’s not just showing up, she’s showing out her way.

“It’s a fine balance between honoring the prestige of Cannes and staying true to myself,” Farhana adds.

“I always ask: Would I wear this if no one was watching? If the answer is yes—and it feels powerful, graceful, and aligned with my energy—I go for it. Style should never feel like a costume; it should feel like your essence in couture.”

If you thought she just picked something off the rack and called it a day, think again.

“Very involved,” she says of the design process.

“Whether it’s working closely with designers or sketching my own ideas, I see fashion as part of my storytelling. I don’t just wear a look—I build a narrative through it.”

And it’s not just fashion she’s serving—it’s representation. “I carry not just my name, but a region, a community, and a message with me,” she says. “Representation means showing the world that elegance, success, and creativity have many faces—and that the Middle East is a place of vision, style, and global influence.”

While she acknowledges progress, she’s not handing out gold stars just yet. “There’s been progress, but we’re still evolving,” she pointed out.

“I see more diversity on the red carpet now, more stories being told from all corners of the world. But true inclusivity means being heard, not just seen.”

Still, even under the Cannes spotlight, she keeps it real.

“By remembering who I am when the cameras are off,” she said

“I’m a mother, a creator, a businesswoman. That core grounds me. The glam is fun—but it’s not the whole story. Authenticity is power, and I choose to show up as myself, not just a polished version of what people expect.”

For Farhana, Cannes is more than just the world’s most glamorous runway—it’s prime real estate for brand-building.

“Being here opens doors to international partnerships, visibility with luxury brands, and media that reaches beyond borders,” she says.

“Every appearance is a building block toward something bigger—a brand, a vision, a global movement.”

High heels, higher standards—and no apologies. Farhana’s Cannes moment wasn’t just fabulous.

It was fierce, focused, and 100% her.