The Met Gala, where the fashion is the centerpiece, and everyone comes with their best foot forward, donning outstanding couture pieces. This year, the theme was Fashion is Art, and the canvas was painted with extraordinary ensembles. Many glittering stars from all over the world struck a pose on that iconic staircase that leads to the Met Gala event, but it was the Indian celebrities who really hit the mark!
Karan Johar
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Karan Johar attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)
As we showcased earlier, Karan Johar was a highlight of the entire event. Perfectly encompassing and showcasing the theme, his Manish Malhotra designed suit, with the concept of Framed in Eternity – inspired by the works of 19th century painter widely regarded as the father of modern Indian art — Raja Ravi Varma. 86 days in making the ensemble was entirely hand-painted, executed in gold by traditional artisans, applied directly onto the garment as a painter would work on canvas. As for the accessories, each piece mirrors the garment’s visual world – bold gemstone colour, antique gold finishes, and forms that echo India’s royal jewellery traditions. It is making the best-dressed list the world over!
Karan Johar shared, “For me, it had to feel personal, and the moment it felt personal, it became Indian, because that’s where everything I know comes from. Every story I’ve told, every film I’ve made, every emotion I’ve tried to put on screen has come from this place. Raja Ravi Varma felt right because his work does something I’ve always tried to do in cinema. Ravi Varma painted feelings. The way a sari falls, the way a figure holds itself, the light on a face that is somehow both divine and completely human. I’ve grown up with those images without always knowing it. They live in you before you can name them. This look is my way of wearing that inheritance, and I think that’s the most honest thing I could have done for my first MET. To arrive not with a concept, but with a feeling I’ve carried my whole life and finally found the right form for.”
Manish Malhotra
The designer made his second spotlight-stealing moment with an incredible piece, which he titled Fashion is Art/ Artisan. “For my appearance at the Met Gala, I wanted to create something deeply personal- a reflection of Mumbai, the city that has shaped my journey, my cinema, and my sense of design, along with the atelier that brings my vision to life every day- my work family. There is nothing like a classic Indian bandhgala- here layered with an architectural cape, brought to life over 960 hours by more than 50 artisans across Mumbai and Delhi. For me, this is more than a garment- it is a story of craft, memory, and collaboration.
“Dori, zardozi, chikankari, and kasab embroidery come together as a narrative. Woven into the piece are the names and signatures of the artisans themselves- a tribute to every hand and every moment that shaped it. Intricate hand-embroidery serves as references to Mumbai’s cinematic landmarks, while three-dimensional sculptural elements celebrate the artisans of his atelier who crafted the piece. This look is both a celebration and a reminder – of where we come from, and how Indian craftsmanship continues to find its place on a global stage. “
Sudha Reddy
Another standout, which perfectly expressed the Fashion is Art theme, especially with the Indian couture, was this piece, The Tree of Life, envisioned by Manish Malhotra in collaboration with Mariel Haenn. Drawing from the storytelling traditions of Kalamkari, it is reinterpreted here as something sculptural and alive, where every thread holds a fragment of history.
Isha Ambani
Named to every best-dressed list, Isha Ambani was fashion and art at the Met Gala event. Designer Guarav Gupta created the perfect frame with her sari that stole every lens. He wrote, “In response to the theme Fashion is Art, the look is conceived as a study of the dressed body, where art is not applied, but lived. Crafted over 1200 hours by over 50 artisans, Isha’s ensemble brings together textile, jewellery, and form into a single, continuous expression.”
Ananya Birla
Crafting the Ordinary to the Extraordinary, as well as celebrating the incredible work of MS Hussain, she had the entire world’s focus on her incredible ensembles. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, these artfits, were were the perfect expression of the theme. Check out Rhea’s Insta posts of her many incredible looks!
