“Mehnat kabhi waste nahi jaati,” (hard work never goes to waste) says Nancy Tyagi, the Indian influencer from a village in Uttar Pradesh who is winning hearts at the 77th Cannes film festival.
Nancy Tyagi was ‘thrilled’ to share her “dream come true” moment with her 1.3 million followers on Instagram when she was invited to be the first Indian creator to walk the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in her own design.
Born and raised in Barnawa village in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, Nancy’s upbringing was deeply rooted in traditional values. Her father, a TV technician, was reportedly against his daughter moving to a bigger city to finish her studies, fearing the potential challenges and cultural shift. Her mother, however, stood by her like a rock, supporting Nancy’s ambitions and encouraging her to chase her dreams.
After completing her class 12 board exams, Nancy moved to Delhi with her mother to take coaching for the UPSC exams. Her father, reportedly, refused to support the two women financially, so her mother took up a job in a coal factory to sustain their lives.
The move to Delhi was challenging, but it marked the beginning of Nancy’s journey towards independence and self-discovery.
It was during the 2020 pandemic that Nancy took to content creation on social media, entering the world of fashion. With lockdowns in place and uncertainty looming, she found solace and a new purpose in sharing her fashion ideas and creative projects online.
Her unique style and authentic storytelling quickly garnered attention, and she amassed a significant following.
“The journey has been intense, but every moment was worth it,” wrote Nancy in a post on Instagram. This perseverance and dedication culminated in her stepping onto the red carpet at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in a pink gown designed by her.
Calling the experience ‘surreal,’ Nancy went on to explain how she poured her heart and soul into its creation.
“It took a month and 1000 meters of fabric to create the gown that weighed 30kgs,” she added. The gown was not just a fashion statement but a symbol of her journey, resilience, and creativity. Nancy’s meticulous attention to detail and passion for design were evident in every stitch.
Nancy’s second outfit at Cannes was another creation of hers – a saree featuring intricate hand embroidery. “Every piece was meticulously crafted and assembled by me,” she said. This saree was a tribute to her Indian heritage and showcased the rich textile traditions of her homeland.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival, which started on May 14, 2024, and ended on May 25, 2024, has seen a significant impact by Indian influencers on the global stage. Nancy’s debut was a part of this larger trend, with other prominent Indian influencers like Ankush Bahuguna, Masoom Minawala, and Karishma Gangwal also making their presence felt at the prestigious event.
Their participation highlighted the growing influence of Indian creators in the global fashion and entertainment industries.
Nancy Tyagi’s journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to the glamorous red carpet of Cannes continues to inspire many, proving that with determination and passion, dreams can indeed become reality.
Collage of Nancy Tyagi’s two looks at the Cannes film festival 2024. (Photo taken from Nancy Tyagi’s official Instagram account)
