When Vaishali walked the runway at the Cannes Film Festival, the gold ensemble she wore shimmered under the spotlight — bold, radiant, unforgettable. But beyond the fabric and flashbulbs lies a different kind of gold: the kind forged in the fires of innovation, precision, and strength — the kind Vaishali has spent nearly two decades shaping in her mechanical engineering manufacturing company.
In a world that rarely sees its women straddle steel and stilettos, Vaishali is doing both — fearlessly.
From Exotic Metals to Haute Couture
Vaishali is the founder of a U.S.-based manufacturing firm that crafts high-precision parts from metals — including exotic alloys that are used in everything from aerospace components to medical instruments. “People think of machine shops as gritty, masculine spaces,” she says. “But metal, like fashion, is all about structure, form, and function. Both require imagination and exactitude.”
Walking the Cannes red carpet wearing Anjali Phougat couture, Vaishali wore gold not just as a color — but as a symbol. “Gold is elemental,” she explains. “It connects my two worlds. In my factory, we shape titanium and Inconel. On the runway, I wore something shaped to reflect light and identity. Both are statements of strength.”
Reinventing the Narrative
In a culture where women are often siloed — either celebrated for beauty or respected for technical prowess — Vaishali’s story dismantles that binary. “Why not both?” she challenges. “We need to see more women redefining what power looks like — whether that’s behind a CNC machine or in front of a camera lens.”
And her message is resonating. Vaishali’s presence at Cannes wasn’t just about fashion; it was a statement. She was representing every woman who’s been underestimated, every entrepreneur who’s ever built something with bare hands and bold vision.
The Art of Precision
Whether it’s machining a micron-perfect part or presenting a poised profile on the runway, Vaishali emphasizes that both fields require attention to detail. “People don’t see the craftsmanship behind either world,” she says. “But there’s engineering behind elegance — and elegance in engineering.”
Her company’s ethos — built on integrity, innovation, and resilience — mirrors her personal journey. She leads with the same exacting standards whether she’s managing a team on the shop floor or preparing for the international stage.
Building a Legacy
Through her dual roles, Vaishali is setting a new standard — not just for women in STEM or in style, but for what it means to live unapologetically, across dimensions. “This isn’t about switching hats,” she smiles. “It’s about owning them all — the hard hat, the crown, and everything in between.”
And as for what’s next?
“More bold moves,” she says. “In metal, in fashion, in life.”
