The Met Gala 2026 red carpet saw one of the strongest Indian turnouts in recent years. This wasn’t about safe eveningwear. The focus stayed on craft, material, and form, with several looks pushing into sculpture and object-making. Indian designers led the narrative, with clear references to art, textiles, and regional techniques.
Isha Ambani in Gaurav Gupta with Subodh Gupta
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Isha Ambani wore a custom Gaurav Gupta saree built as a sculptural form rather than a soft drape. The base moved in fluid metallic tones, with the fabric shaped into a structured pallu that held its volume across the shoulder. Fine surface detailing ran through the saree, including hand-painted elements that referenced traditional Indian motifs.
The blouse was heavily encrusted, set with stones and layered detailing that gave it the weight of couture jewellery. She paired this with pieces from her personal collection—diamonds, emeralds, and a sarpech placed at the back of her hair, adding a historic element to the look.
The standout detail was the mango-shaped bag by Subodh Gupta. Made in stainless steel, it carried his signature language of transforming everyday Indian objects into art. Metallic floral elements woven into her hair echoed the same material story. The look stayed cohesive, balancing couture construction with recognisable Indian symbolism.
Karan Johar in Manish Malhotra
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Karan Johar wore a custom Manish Malhotra look built around strong surface work and layered construction. The outfit drew from Indian paintings of Raja Ravi Verma and classical portraiture, translated into textile through dense embroidery and rich colour.
The silhouette stayed structured, with a long coat layered over a detailed inner piece. The embroidery carried figurative and ornamental elements, giving the outfit depth when seen up close. Jewellery played a strong role—gem-set pieces and a statement neck detail added scale to the look.
He finished it with tinted eyewear and polished footwear, keeping his signature styling intact while leaning fully into the theme.
Manish Malhotra in Manish Malhotra
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Manish Malhotra’s look focused on the people behind his work. He wore a sharply cut black bandhgala paired with tailored trousers, keeping the base clean.
The cape carried the detail. It was embroidered with the names and signatures of artisans from his atelier, forming a dense, textured surface across the fabric. The piece took close to a thousand hours to complete, with each section stitched by hand.
The look stayed minimal in styling, allowing the craftsmanship to lead. The cape added scale without overwhelming the outfit.
Natasha Poonawalla in Marc Quinn with Dolce & Gabbana
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Natasha Poonawalla approached the red carpet through sculpture. She wore a structured white orchid form created by artist Marc Quinn, positioned across her torso and extending outward.
Underneath, she wore a Dolce & Gabbana couture base that added contrast through texture and finish. The orchid structure framed the body, creating a strong visual shape that shifted the look away from standard red carpet dressing.
The styling stayed sharp. Hair was pulled back, and jewellery was kept controlled, allowing the sculptural element to dominate. The balance between soft fabric and rigid form gave the look its impact.
Sawai Padmanabh Singh in Prabal Gurung
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Sawai Padmanabh Singh wore a custom Prabal Gurung look rooted in Jaipur’s craft traditions. The coat was heavily worked with aari, zardozi, and resham embroidery, built over several months by artisans.
The back carried a large mirror installation inspired by Sheesh Mahal interiors, catching and reflecting light as he moved. Sun motifs were worked into the embroidery, linking the piece to his royal lineage.
He paired the coat with clean, tailored trousers, keeping the silhouette sharp. The look balanced heritage references with a controlled, modern finish.
Gauravi Kumari in Prabal Gurung
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Gauravi Kumari wore a chiffon saree-gown by Prabal Gurung that drew from archival dressing. The fabric stayed light, with a soft drape that moved easily.
The colour palette remained pale, allowing the detailing to stay subtle. The saree construction was merged with a gown silhouette, giving it structure without losing fluidity.
She styled it with layered pearl and diamond jewellery, referencing Maharani Gayatri Devi’s personal style. Hair and makeup stayed classic, keeping the focus on the garment.
Ananya Birla in Robert Wun with Subodh Gupta
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Ananya Birla wore custom Robert Wun couture built around a sharp, sculpted silhouette. The structured blazer cinched tightly at the waist and extended into a pronounced peplum, paired with a pleated metallic skirt that shifted with movement.
The stainless steel headpiece by Subodh Gupta defined the look. Built using Indian kitchen utensils, it fully covered her face, turning the outfit into a moving installation.
Jewellery was minimal, with a diamond choker anchoring the look. The contrast between tailoring and industrial material gave it a strong visual edge.
Diya Jatia Mehta in Mayyur Girotra
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Diya Jatia Mehta wore a custom Mayyur Girotra look built around Indian craft from Bengal. The base combined a Kanjivaram saree with a structured silhouette, giving the garment weight and shape.
The surface was covered in detailed shola work. These hand-carved elements were layered across the outfit, creating volume while staying lightweight. The technique added a sculptural quality without relying on heavy materials.
The look took weeks of work by artisans, with each piece assembled by hand. Styling stayed clean, keeping the focus on texture and construction.
This year’s Indian presence at the Met Gala stayed consistent in one way—each look carried a clear idea. The focus stayed on material, craft, and recognisable forms, with several outfits moving beyond fashion into object and sculpture.
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