The Met Gala 2025 had drama, it had diamonds, and most importantly, it had desi fashion moments that made us scream, “YES, that’s the culture!” From sari-inspired silhouettes to intricate embroidery that spoke centuries of tradition, the Indian fashion wave wasn’t just a breeze, it was a full-blown monsoon on the red carpet.
Let’s break down the Indian clothing trends that stunned the fashion world at this year's Met, and the deep-rooted history that each piece whispered (or shouted) from the steps of the Met Museum.
The Met Gala 2025 wasn’t just fashion, it was fashion with a purpose. With the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" and dress code "Tailored for You", this year’s gala turned the Met steps into a powerful runway of identity, rebellion, and legacy. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s iconic book Slaves to Fashion - where every stitch tells a story of resistance, power, and personal style.
But guess what? Indian fashion didn’t just RSVP to the party - it pulled up like royalty. Let’s talk about the desi icons who made global headlines and redefined what it means to be tailored for culture.
Fashion's biggest night was orchestrated by a powerhouse lineup of co-chairs:
Anna Wintour – The Vogue editor-in-chief and longtime Met Gala chairperson.
Colman Domingo – The acclaimed actor known for his dynamic presence on stage and screen.
Lewis Hamilton – The Formula 1 champion and fashion enthusiast.
A$AP Rocky – The rapper and style icon.
Pharrell Williams – The multifaceted musician and designer.
Additionally, NBA superstar LeBron James was named an honorary co-chair but was unable to attend due to a knee injury. His wife, Savannah James, graced the event in his stead.
Isha Ambani showed us what it means to honor the hands behind the hems. Her look featured a handwoven Benarasi train crafted by Indian artisans, alongside a Cartier necklace once worn by the Maharaja of Nawanagar - a dazzling blend of heritage and heirloom.
Isha’s spotlight on Indian textiles and regal accessories proved that true luxury lies in legacy.
Diljit didn’t just show up - he made a cultural statement. Dressed in an ivory Prabal Gurung creation, crowned with a majestic turban, and accessorized with a kripan and Golecha jewels, he embodied modern maharaja realness. The look was not only sartorially flawless, but spiritually grounded - honoring his Sikh identity with pride and grace.
The kurta set featured sharp tailoring, echoing the Met’s theme, while weaving in centuries-old Sikh symbols. Nothing says "bespoke" like a look that blends heritage with haute couture.
Trust Natasha to go vintage, visionary, and Vogue-cover-ready. Wearing Parsi Gara saris layered under an embroidered jacket, corset-cummerbund, and a dramatic lace cravat by Atelier Biser - she gave us Victorian tailoring through an unmistakably Indian lens.
Parsi Gara embroidery is a dying art form known for its delicate, hand-done motifs passed down through generations. Natasha’s look was not just a fashion moment - it was a revival mission.
Kiara Advani shimmered like a desi goddess in a custom Gaurav Gupta gown, featuring a sculpted gold breastplate of two hearts - symbolizing a mother and child, connected by an abstract umbilical cord. It was high-concept meets heritage.
Gaurav Gupta’s design wasn’t just couture - it was conceptual art, with Indian emotion at the core and fierce femininity on the surface. Tailored? Check. Deeply personal? Double check
Yes, the designer himself walked the talk. Manish Malhotra, king of Bollywood glam, wore a bold black sherwani cape, tailored to perfection with the kind of flair only he can pull off. The clean lines and structured silhouette gave Black dandyism an Indian spin.
The sherwani is India’s original formalwear - it predates the tux and holds centuries of class. Paired with a cape? That’s 2025 royalty.
The beauty of this year’s Met Gala was in the cross-cultural celebration of tailoring as resistance, as identity, as power. Black dandyism and Indian fashion might seem worlds apart, but both use garments to challenge norms, reclaim space, and tell our stories.
Indian representation at the Met Gala 2025 was more than visual, it was visceral. The clothes weren’t just stitched with thread, they were stitched with history, culture, and unapologetic pride.
So here’s to the artists, designers, and icons who tailored their looks for themselves - and made the whole world pay attention. Desi couture is not a trend, it’s a movement. And it’s global now. 🌍
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