At Met Gala on Monday evening, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the theme “Fashion Is Art” was interpreted with particular clarity by Indian attendees. Across the carpet, their looks drew on textile traditions and historical references – elements long embedded in Indian fashion but brought to the forefront in this context.
Businesswoman Isha Ambani wore a gold sari-gown by Gaurav Gupta, featuring metallic weaving techniques associated with ceremonial textiles. Her blouse incorporated 1800 carats of precious heirloom jewels, including pieces gifted to her and others belonging to her mother, Nita Ambani. The look was styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania and included references to ancient Indian frescoes, with a sari border featuring hand-painted pichwai-inspired motifs.
Attending the gala for the first time, Hindi film director Karan Johar wore an ensemble by Manish Malhotra that referenced the work of Raja Ravi Varma. The garment translated painterly imagery into embroidery, incorporating hand-painted elements, zardozi borders, three-dimensional pillars, lotuses and swans, along with a detailed jacket lining. The look was styled by Eka Lakhani.
Among the more concept-driven appearances, businesswoman Natasha Poonawalla wore a sculptural piece titled “Orchid Pectoral” by British artist Marc Quinn, paired with a white couture gown by Domenico Dolce. The look continued her approach of combining couture with installation-based design.
Sudha Reddy also wore a design by Manish Malhotra, drawing from kalamkari traditions with an emphasis on handworked detailing and layered ornamentation. $19 million worth of high jewellery formed a central part of the look, extending its visual framework beyond the garment.
Gauravi Kumari and Sawai Padmanabh Singh referenced royal lineage through tailored silhouettes and restrained embellishment, echoing earlier forms of aristocratic dress. Singh’s ensemble, developed with Prabal Gurung and realised in Jaipur by artisans Yash and Ashima Tholia, was constructed in deep velvet, quilted with cotton, and completed over more than 600 hours using aari and zardozi embroidery, finished with dabka and resham work.
Gauravi Kumari’s look incorporated a chiffon sari that belonged to her grandmother, Rani Gayatri Devi. Designed by Prabal Gurung, the sari was integrated directly into a gown, with the drape structured to maintain its line while retaining movement.
From the diaspora, Simone Ashley wore a sculptural, metallic-toned piece by Stella McCartney that leaned toward minimalism, offering contrast while still engaging with the theme’s emphasis on form.
Businesswoman and socialite Ananya Birla arrived in a look combining couture and conceptual art. The ensemble began with a design by Robert Wun and incorporated a mask by Subodh Gupta, drawing on his practice of transforming everyday Indian objects into art. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the look brought together a tailored blazer, pleated ballroom skirt and sculptural elements.
Mona Patel turned heads in a Dolce & Gabbana gown inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. The intricate, sculptural dress translated Da Vinci’s artistic motifs into textile form.
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8 May 2025 18:14
