Indians in Met Gala 2026!
Mankirat Kaur
3/8/20264 min read
Source: Film Magic, Photo Credits: Theo Wargo
1.Karan Johar
For the firsts we have Karan Johar, an Indian filmmaker who debuted in Met Gala 2026 with a Raja Ravi Varma inspired outfit created by Manish Malhotra. For decades, Varma's art as centred around Indian female figures has delivered the essence of Indian-ness around the world. For Karan Johar, dressing in a hand painted two-piece ethnic silhouette style piece was everything people loved. On Instagram, many Indian users were seen commenting him as the best dressed as he genuinely won millions of heart with this one.
Source: VoguexMetGala2026
Source:VoguexMetGala2026
References
Source:VoguexMetGala2026
Source:Vogue India, Photo Credits: Dilpreet Singh
2.Isha Ambani
Isha Ambani is considered one of the richest daughters of business empires in India. For the Met gala, she wore a Gaurav Gupta designed gold threaded sari sewn by Swadesh artisans drawn by historical Indian frescoes and borders focused on pichwai motivated motifs hand-painted on the pallu. Her blouse was created by attaching her mom’s jewelry collection of expensive diamonds, and emeralds on the top which was adorned with matching jewelry and a thread mesh bag holding a three-shaded mango.
3.Sudha Reddy
Sudha Reddy wore a Kalamkari art piece curated by Manish Malhotra centred around the motif the “Tree of Life” taken from Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh traditions. The outfit showcases a very intricate craftsmanship sewed beautifully in zardozi and resham threads with a fusion of western silhouette with Indian ethnic spirit. The use of a corset top goes well with the look and the fuller embroidery towards the back with peacock figures, and floral patterns made the dress stand out in many aspects.
4.Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra’s look was a tribute to Indian craftsmanship, specifically the artists who have worked with him for decades. The silhouette had an Indian essence, and carried signatures of people who helped to create this piece. He brought the story of those who have worked for the industry for many centuries. The white threads against black color standouts in the crowd of celebrities showcasing modern fabric works or techniques, sticking to the idea of traditional textile work, and art.
5.Gauravi Kumari
Princess Gauravi Kumari was seen in a pink chiffon saree drape gown. The look was inspired by her grandmother–Maharani Gayatri Devi’s personal stylistic aesthetics. The pink held the energy of Jaipur and equally connected to her roots and clan. Prabal Gurung constructed the outfit to breathe and move with the body. The pearls also acted as little representations of Maharani’s jewel box. Overall the look communicates a modern upgrade of royal fashion.
6.Sawai Padmanabh Singh
Just like his sister, Maharaja Pacho wore Prabal Gurung’s artpiece–the Phulghar coat. Velvet fabric was used as the base with cotton embossed underneath this outfit was held together with aari, zardozi, dabka work, and resham. The coat was tied to the spirit of Jaipur by using Polki, and Jadau craft. Chunky and maximalist jewelry compliments the overall look.
7.Ananya Birla
Ananya’s outfit was designed by Hong-Kong based designer, Robert Wun. A neatly pleated ballroom leather-feel skirt was styled with a structured blazer, and ice blue shirt which were adorned by a Subodh Gupta’s handmade mask and diamond necklace. For the gala, her face remained covered with the Indian utensil mask made with several desi cooking, and serving tools. This look with hands covered in black sheer gloves and metallic nails styled by Rhea Kapoor communicated a mix of sculpture fashion, business formals, and dramatic art.
Photo Credits: Rafael Pavarotti
8.Natasha Poonawala
Natasha Poonawala wore a sculptured March Quinn’s artwork styled over a Dolce& Gabbana gown. Both the sculpture and gown were white color, and styled with long strand diamonds falling on her shoulders. For the hair, she kept a puffy look from the front and covered the behind with a petal shaped structure which was a part of the outfit. Her makeup was minimal and soft.
Photo Credits: Theo Wargo/FilmMagic