Nancy Tyagi is basking in the spotlight after her breathtaking debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Her self-made gowns turned heads and captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. “When I went there, it felt like the best decision of my life,” said Tyagi, sharing her Cannes experience.
Nancy Tyagi is a 23-year-old self-taught designer and social media influencer from Baranwa, Uttar Pradesh. She has become an overnight sensation, praised for her creativity, resilience, and remarkable journey to this global stage.
Tyagi’s story begins in the quaint village of Baranwa. She received her early education in the local schools of the Baghpat District. This laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Her academic excellence and budding interest in fashion design set the stage for her remarkable career.
Even as a child, Tyagi displayed a passion for fashion by skillfully stitching clothes for her dolls. Since childhood, Nancy Tyagi harbored a deep fascination with fashion and diligently transformed her passion into a thriving profession.
Nancy Tyagi’s influence extends beyond her personal achievements. Her journey also showcases the limitless potential of her talent and determination. “I am very grateful for their love and support,” she said, acknowledging the encouragement from her followers and supporters. Her story highlights the power of social media as a platform for emerging talent and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Why did Nancy move to Delhi?
After completing her Class 12 education with distinction, Tyagi moved to Delhi with the ambition of cracking the prestigious UPSC exams. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced her to reconsider her path.
“At the time of lockdown, everything was closed, and we didn’t have enough money for the coaching as well as to run the house,” Tyagi recalled. The lockdowns and ensuing economic challenges, including her mother’s job loss, became a catalyst for Tyagi’s venture into the digital world. She began creating content on social media. She started with haul videos and quirky dance clips, which further evolved into detailed fashion tutorials and DIY outfit creations.
Tyagi’s breakthrough came with her innovative fashion videos, where she skillfully recreated celebrity outfits on a budget. Her unique approach reached a wide audience, quickly earning her a dedicated following on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. “I was making clothes for myself till now, but now I want to make them for everyone,” Tyagi said, expressing her desire to reach a broader audience. Today, she boasts 2 million followers on Instagram and 1.48 million subscribers on YouTube, making her one of the most influential fashion creators in India.
In addition to her fashion achievements, Nancy Tyagi’s educational background has played a significant role in her success. Her dedication to learning and self-improvement is evident in her ongoing efforts to hone her skills and expand her craft. “I view education as an ongoing journey,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to continuous growth.
Nancy Tyagi on her journey to Cannes 2024
The pinnacle of Tyagi’s ascent to fame was her stunning appearance at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024. She was invited as part of the Brut India Squad. Nancy Tyagi’s debut on the Cannes red carpet was marked by her self-made gowns, which showcased her exceptional design skills and creative vision. Her first outfit was a pastel pink gown.
It was a labor of love involving over 1,000 meters of fabric and weighing over 20 kilograms. “It took me one month to make,” she shared, highlighting her commitment to her craft. Her second look, a modern take on the traditional sari, was equally well-received and showcased her ability to blend cultural heritage with contemporary fashion. “I thought that because I am going from India, a sari must be one of my outfits,” Tyagi explained, adding that her western twist on the sari was a crowd favorite.
Tyagi’s journey to Cannes was not without its challenges. Initially hesitant to attend, her team encouraged her to seize the opportunity. “Even until I was in the car by the red carpet, I was scared. But as soon as I stepped out, I felt totally different,” she admitted, revealing her initial apprehension. Her candid reflections on her journey, including her struggles with suicidal thoughts, have added depth to her public persona, making her an influential figure for those facing similar adversities.
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor has praised Tyagi’s work and requested a custom outfit. “Sonam Kapoor asked me to make her an outfit. It’s a huge thing for me,” Tyagi said with excitement.
Looking at the future, Tyagi has expressed a desire to create unique designs rather than recreating existing ones. She aims to establish herself as a designer who can cater to a broader audience.
