The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City was transformed into a breath-taking showcase of Eastern heritage on 5 May 2026 as South Asian icons took centre stage for the annual Met Gala.
Under the avant-garde theme of ‘Costume Art’, this year’s event saw an unprecedented influx of Indian influence, where traditional craftsmanship met high-concept couture.
The iconic Met Gala 2026 red carpet, themed ‘Fashion is Art’, featured a distinct Indian soul as it was meticulously crafted in Kerala using hand-sorted Madagascar sisal fibre. This artisan-led production continues a tradition since 2022, providing a sustainable, handcrafted stage for the world’s most prestigious sartorial event.
From veteran filmmaker Karan Johar to the arrival of billionaire heiress Isha Ambani, the evening served as a definitive declaration of India’s growing dominance in the global luxury landscape. While the gala celebrated the intersection of history and modern design, it was the specific narratives of heritage, wealth, and identity brought by these celebrities that dictated the night's most talked-about moments.
Couture kingdoms and global British Asian talent
The evening’s fashion was a masterclass in maximalism and dramatic storytelling, with British Asian talent shining alongside Indian luminaries.
Bridgerton star Simone Ashley captivated onlookers in a custom gown that celebrated her South Indian roots through intricate embroidery, while fellow Brit Charli XCX brought an edgy, rebellious energy to the steps.
Karan Johar made a definitive statement in a structured velvet ensemble by Sabyasachi, while Isha Ambani stunned in a creation adorned with over 200 diamonds, including sentimental heirlooms from her mother Nita Ambani’s personal collection.
Another striking artistic statement carried by her was a 20-year-old steel mango sculpture by the renowned Indian contemporary artist Subodh Gupta as a symbolic accessory. Representing India's national fruit and themes of abundance, the $100,000 artwork perfectly embodied the 'Fashion is Art' theme.
Returning to the carpet, Mona Patel, who first went viral in 2024, solidified her status as a fashion powerhouse with a kinetic, robotic-inspired silhouette that seamlessly merged technology with traditional textiles. Famous personalities like Ananya Birla and Natasha Poonawala also made dashing appearance as well.
The mastery of traditional artistry
The red carpet was dominated by intricate storytelling through fabric, most notably by philanthropist Sudha Reddy. Her ‘Tree of Life’ ensemble, a collaboration between Manish Malhotra and stylist Mariel Haenn, was a monumental feat of engineering that took 90 artisans over 3,459 hours to produce.
The gown reinterpreted the 3,000-year-old Machilipatnam Kalamkari tradition, featuring hand-painted motifs of the Indian Roller bird and the wish-fulfilling Kalpavriksha tree. Reddy’s look was further elevated by a $15 million jewellery suite featuring the 550-carat ‘Queen of Merelani’ tanzanite, highlighting the sheer scale of South Asian investment in global high fashion.
Royal debuts and heritage legacies
A significant highlight of the evening was the prestigious debut of the Jaipur Royals, Princess Gauravi Kumari and her brother Padmanabh Singh, affectionately known as Pacho. Princess Gauravi made a sophisticated statement on sustainability and legacy by repurposing her grandmother’s vintage saree into a contemporary gown for her first Met appearance. This move resonated deeply with the ‘Costume Art’ theme, blending aristocratic history with modern fashion sensibilities.
However, the night faced minor friction as fans expressed frustration over Chanel's choice to dress Indian model Bhavitha Mandava in denim jeans, with many critics labelling the casual look as dismissive compared to the intricate couture worn by her peers.