For most people, the Cannes Film Festival is like the flash of a camera—a bright but fleeting event that stays in the spotlight on Google for no more than a month. However, for the guests and organizers, it’s a nearly year-long endeavor. As soon as the 77th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up, preparations for the next season were already underway.
Azganush (Aza) Misakyan, a founder of International EdTech company Ycla Coding and a founder of International AI-powered sales engagement platform YCLA AI., shared insights as an official guest of the event and offered advice on how to prepare for the Cannes Film Festival and catch the attention of photographers.
Interviewer: Aza, you attended the Cannes Film Festival for the first time and drew photographers’ attention with your carefully selected outfits. Can you share which designer’s dress you wore on the red carpet?
Aza Misakyan: Yes, it was my first time at Cannes. I put a lot of effort into preparing for my debut, and even as a newcomer, I managed to collaborate with world-famous brands right away. For the opening ceremony, I wore an ethereal dress by Hacchic Couture, a Japanese bridal brand based in Vietnam. The dress caught the attention of photographers, and my photos appeared in American and European publications. I even flew to Vietnam for just one day to pick them up! The look was perfectly complemented by jewelry from Tiffany & Co., with whom I also collaborated.
Interviewer: One of the memorable photos of you in the media showcased a stunning long cape elegantly draped over several steps of the red carpet. How did you achieve such beautiful shots?
Aza Misakyan: While preparing for the Cannes Film Festival, I noticed many women wearing long capes on the red carpet, so I decided to add a detachable one to my dress for both impact and practicality. When the cape arrived, its size was overwhelming, so I practiced managing it with a photo shoot at the hotel. My apartment was conveniently located across from the Palais des Festivals, allowing me to observe other guests with similar capes and learn from their mistakes. I also worked with a walking coach, practicing with a sheet to perfect my movements and ensure the cape flowed smoothly for the perfect shot.
Interviewer: How heavy was the cape, and how did you manage to be in the photographers’ frames with almost no other guests around?
The cape wasn’t heavy but was very voluminous, requiring me to rent a minivan just for this outfit. The effect was stunning; as I stepped onto the red carpet, the cape spread out dramatically, causing many guests to step aside and let me pass. This is why many of my photos have few other people in them—guests let me go ahead to avoid competing for attention. A helpful tip for anyone attending the Cannes Film Festival next year.
Interviewer: We’ve seen moments on the red carpet where guests face challenges with large or elaborate dresses, sometimes involving interactions with security. How did you manage to handle your cape without any issues during your red carpet appearance?
If it weren’t for social media videos, I wouldn’t have even known about that security guard. But when I reviewed my red carpet videos, I saw her constantly near me. She tried to approach me, but I was always one step ahead and made sure not to linger at any location for too long.
Interviewer: There was some controversy involving a security guard at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Some guests felt they were rushed or not given enough time to enjoy the red carpet experience. What’s your view on managing red carpet moments with security present?
I have a negative view of the situation. For every guest, attending the festival is a significant event, and everyone wants to enjoy it and present themselves well. Such staff behavior leaves a negative mark on the occasion. Celebrities dislike being rushed, as they have their own ideas of how to present themselves. While I understand the need for security to manage traffic to prevent chaos, it’s essential to uphold professional ethics and behave respectfully.
Interviewer: Once you walked the red carpet with your husband. How did he prepare for the ceremony? How did you both feel, and were there any concerns?
My husband isn’t a fan of public appearances, so he had some concerns. However, we decided to walk the carpet together to share the experience. I loved seeing him in a tuxedo and chose an elegant, simple dress for our appearance, without complicated details or heavy capes, so we could enjoy walking together.
Interviewer:What was your business objective for this event?
My goal was to make a statement and gain insights from people in various professions. Networking with successful individuals is a crucial element in business development. Although I’m far from the film industry, this event was valuable for broadening my horizons. Speaking about my business, I am a founder of Ycla Coding, an International EdTech company offering online programming courses for children and adults that allow people to learn remotely from anywhere in the world. I also work on implementing AI in sales departments through my platform, YCLA AI.
Interviewer: What are your impressions of the Cannes Film Festival, and why should it be visited at least once in a lifetime?
The Cannes Film Festival is definitely worth attending, but I recommend preparing in advance instead of being spontaneous. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Working with professionals will help you feel confident and enjoy the red carpet, plus you’ll get great photos, media coverage, and lasting memories.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
