Each year, the first Monday of May sees a glamorous gathering at the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where fashion enthusiasts and celebrities converge to honor the art of fashion. This year’s event maintained the tradition, showcasing a variety of stunning outfits that ranged from artistic silhouettes to daring designs. Notably, several Indian personalities graced the red carpet, capturing attention with their remarkable choices. Here’s a closer look at some of these standout figures:
Natasha Poonawalla certainly made a statement, transforming the Met Gala’s red carpet into her own runway. With styling by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the business leader wore an impressive orchid-inspired pectoral piece designed by Marc Quinn. This artwork was not merely a static object; it was intended to be animated through the wearer’s movements and presence.
The orchid selected by Quinn, the Phalaenopsis, is globally recognized and symbolizes rebirth and timeless beauty, transcending cultural boundaries. The piece was worn like ceremonial armor, serving both as an ornament and a bold statement. According to a press release, it conveys a message of unity in a world often marked by division: “beauty, like hope, knows no borders.”
Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the owner of the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore, another standout was seen in a striking ensemble by Subodh Gupta and Robert Wun. Gupta, known for his use of stainless steel and acrylic, created a piece resembling armor made from traditional Indian silverware, which both concealed the wearer’s identity and suggested formidable strength.
“The outfit sends a dual message: the wearer becomes a superhero, emerging from ordinary beginnings,” Birla expressed on her Instagram account. Wun expanded on this theme, reimagining everyday workwear with a stylish blazer made from a silk-wool-cotton blend, paired with a flared peplum hem and a flowing gun-metal glass organza skirt, resulting in a sculptural look.
Hyderabad native Reddy showcased the essence of her city through her attire, ensuring it resonated globally while remaining deeply connected to South Indian culture. Her ensemble, titled “The Tree of Life,” was a collaboration between Manish Malhotra and stylist Mariel Haenn, symbolizing the unfolding of time and memory. It drew on Kalamkari storytelling traditions, presenting a sculptural and vibrant interpretation where each thread reflects a piece of history.
Reddy’s outfit reimagined a 3,000-year-old textile legacy through its form, texture, and fluidity, blending sculpted velvet, antique gold zari, and detailed zardozi into a creation that felt both timeless and immediate. “The motifs—Palapitta, Jammi Chettu, Kalpavriksha, Tangedu, Surya, Chandra, Kalpa—are not simply decorative; they signify my identity and carry a piece of home with me,” she shared on social media.
One of the most striking aspects of her appearance was a historic necklace valued at over $15 million. Haenn informed People that this exquisite piece belongs to Reddy’s private collection, featuring a Victorian-style chain adorned with large triangular and pear-shaped rose-cut diamonds arranged in floral clusters. The centerpiece of the necklace is the “Queen of Merelani,” a remarkable 550-carat deep violet-blue tanzanite pendant sourced from Tanzania’s Merelani Hills. To complete her look, Reddy also wore a 40-carat Asscher-cut Colombian emerald encircled by diamonds in an 18k yellow gold setting, along with a 30-carat rose-cut polki diamond ring.
Additionally, the royal siblings from Jaipur dazzled in custom attire by Prabal Gurung, showcasing their Indian heritage. Princess Gauravi Kumari paid tribute to her grandmother, Maharani Gayatri Devi, with a chiffon sari and pearls—two signature elements of her grandmother’s wardrobe. The choice of blush pink was a deliberate nod to her roots.
Her brother, affectionately known as Pacho, looked regal in a Phulghar coat designed in collaboration with Gurung and brought to life in Jaipur by Yash and Ashima Tholia’s team. Vogue India reports that the coat is crafted from deep velvet, quilted with cotton, and took over 600 hours to create, featuring intricate aari and zardozi embroidery, along with dabka and resham detailing.
