Nancy Tyagi is a self-taught Indian fashion designer and social media influencer who gained international acclaim for her innovative, handcrafted outfits—most notably her appearances at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and 2025.
Early Life and Background
Born in 2001 in Baranwa village, Baghpat District, Uttar Pradesh, Nancy completed her early education locally, excelling academically while nurturing a passion for fashion by stitching clothes for her dolls. She later moved to Delhi with aspirations of cracking the UPSC exams. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and her family’s financial struggles, including her mother’s job loss, prompted her to pivot towards content creation. She began by making haul and dance videos before focusing on fashion, teaching herself sewing through YouTube tutorials and repurposing old clothes due to limited resources.
Rise to Fame
Nancy’s breakthrough came with her “Outfit from Scratch” series on Instagram and YouTube, where she showcased her process of creating elaborate outfits. Her ability to recreate celebrity looks on a budget resonated with audiences, leading to a significant following. As of 2024, she had over 2 million Instagram followers and 1.48 million YouTube subscribers.
Cannes Film Festival Appearances
- 2024 Debut: Nancy made headlines at the 77th Cannes Film Festival by wearing a self-stitched pink gown made from over 1,000 meters of fabric, weighing more than 20 kilograms. The gown took 30 days to complete and was praised for its craftsmanship and originality.
- 2025 Return: She returned to Cannes in 2025 with a mint green gown inspired by floral architecture and theatrical fantasy. The dress featured a dramatic shoulder piece, tulle train, and hand-crafted roses, all made from fabrics sourced in Seelampur, Delhi. While the outfit received mixed reactions online, it reinforced her commitment to self-designed fashion.
Recognition and Impact
Nancy’s journey from a small village to the global fashion stage has been widely recognized. In 2024, Forbes named her India’s top digital influencer, and she received accolades such as ‘Disruptor of the Year’ and ‘Fashion Favourite Heritage Icon of the Year’ at the National Creators Award.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Nancy remains grounded despite her success, often speaking about her humble beginnings and the challenges she faced. Her story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring creators, emphasizing resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.
Leave a Reply