May 05, 2026 5:06am IST
Met Gala 2026: From Isha Ambani to Karan Johar, India’s Stars Shine Bright
The first Monday in May always brings a certain electric anticipation, but for 2026, the question on everyone’s lips was: How will India interpret "Fashion is Art"?* With a theme so deeply rooted in the relationship between the body and the creative medium, expectations were sky-high for the Indian contingent. The names did not disappoint. From billionaire philanthropists to Bollywood’s biggest visionaries, the Indian delegation didn't just walk the carpet — they transformed it into a living gallery, proving that our ancient crafts are the ultimate avant-garde.
Ananya Birla
For her first-ever Met Gala, Ananya Birla blended high fashion with domestic art. Her base was a structured Robert Wun couture set with a liquid-metal pleated skirt. However, the showstopper was her "armour"—a face mask created by artist Subodh Gupta made from traditional Indian stainless steel silverware. It was a bold statement on turning everyday household objects into extraordinary art.
Isha Ambani
Isha’s look was a poetic fusion of tradition and modern sculpture. She wore a saree custom-woven with pure gold threads by Swadesh artisans, featuring hand-painted motifs inspired by Pichwai art. In a beautiful nod to family legacy, her blouse was sourced from her mother Nita Ambani’s personal collection, dripping in diamonds and metallic zardozi. She completed the look with a 150-hour jasmine-inspired hair sculpture made of paper and copper, and a symbolic Subodh Gupta mango sculpture in hand.
Karan Johar
Marking a historic moment as the first Indian filmmaker on the Met carpet, Karan Johar channeled the realism of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings. Designed by Manish Malhotra, the ensemble featured a six-foot hand-painted cape and vintage zardozi embroidery on a rubberised base for a 3D effect. The look was a literal masterpiece, with sculptural lotuses and swans emerging from the fabric.
Manish Malhotra
Making his second appearance, the ace designer paid homage to his home city. He wore a sharp bandhgala layered with a dramatic 960-hour cape that required the work of 50 skilled artisans. The outfit was finished with signature pins from his own jewellery line, perfectly capturing the spirit of Mumbai’s "modern-meets-traditional" energy.
Sudha Reddy
The philanthropist returned to the Met with a look titled "The Tree of Life." Her custom Manish Malhotra gown celebrated Kalamkari, a 3,000-year-old textile art. The royal blue corseted silhouette featured a massive seven-metre trail with peacock motifs and a metal vine installation at the back. It took over 3,400 hours to create, serving as a stunning tribute to the flora and fauna of Hyderabad.
Natasha Poonawalla
The Indian philanthropist and businesswoman, turned heads wearing a dramatic orchid sculpture crafted by Domenico Dolce and painter Marc Quinn.
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