Karan Johar’s Raja Ravi Varma Tribute
Filmmaker Karan Johar debuted in Manish Malhotra’s hand-painted masterpiece, featuring zardozi, pillars, lotuses, and swans inspired by legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma. The “Framed in Eternity” ensemble celebrated Indian artistry on fashion’s grandest stage.
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Isha Ambani’s Gold-Woven Regal Saree
Reliance heiress Isha Ambani wore Gaurav Gupta’s sculptural gold-thread saree, handcrafted by 50+ artisans over 1,200 hours with 200+ diamonds. Pichwai motifs and heirloom jewels embodied regal heritage for the “Fashion Is Art” theme.
Jaipur Royals Honor Legacy
Princess Gauravi Kumari transformed grandmother Maharani Gayatri Devi’s pink chiffon sari into a fluid Prabal Gurung gown. Sawai Padmanabh Singh paired it with a 600-hour velvet Phulghar coat, fusing royal archives and regional embroidery.
Ananya Birla in Black Couture With Subodh Gupta Mask
Ananya Birla stunned in Robert Wun’s black couture with Subodh Gupta’s metallic mask, styled by Rhea Kapoor. Sudha Reddy dazzled in Malhotra’s Kalamkari “Tree of Life” corset gown with tanzanite jewels. Designer Manish Malhotra himself wore a 960-hour black bandhgala cape homage to Mumbai artisans.
Simone Ashley in Nothing But Silver Chains
Simone Ashley made a striking return to the 2026 Met Gala, her third appearance after 2022 debut and 2024 gown—wearing a Stella McCartney dress of draped silver chains celebrating the “Costume Art” exhibit. The Devil Wears Prada 2 star, fresh from sharing her set experiences with Meryl Streep, accessorized with sparkling De Beers diamond earrings, bracelets, and rings plus silver platforms. Made from 70% repurposed Falabella chains, the sustainable look blended illusion nudity with metallic drama on the Metropolitan Museum red carpet.
Craft as Couture
India’s elite elevated the Costume Art exhibition, blending 26 crafts, gold weaves, and heirloom stones into living sculptures. From 450-hour masterpieces to diamond-encrusted bodices, they proved fashion’s artistry transcends borders.
