Desk Correspondent , New York - From Karan Johar’s Raja Ravi Varma-inspired debut to Isha Ambani’s gold-threaded sari, Indian celebrities brought heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary design to the global spotlight at the Met Gala 2026. Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this year’s edition revolved around the theme ‘Costume Art’, drawing leading names from film, fashion and global culture.

Indian representation stood out on the red carpet, blending tradition with modern couture. Filmmaker Karan Johar made his much-anticipated Met Gala debut in a custom ensemble by Manish Malhotra, inspired by the works of Raja Ravi Varma. The outfit featured flowing drapery, gold detailing and hand-painted elements, translating classical Indian art into contemporary couture. Isha Ambani showcased Indian craftsmanship in a custom sari by Gaurav Gupta, crafted with gold threads and intricate embroidery. Her look combined traditional techniques with modern luxury, highlighted by a diamond-studded bodice and statement jewellery. Natasha Poonawalla delivered one of the evening’s most experimental looks, wearing British artist Marc Quinn’s sculptural piece “Orchid Pectoral” over a couture gown by Dolce & Gabbana. The resin-crafted structure created an armour-like effect, balanced by the soft, flowing silhouette of the gown. 

Entrepreneur Ananya Birla made a bold debut in a structured black outfit by Robert Wun, paired with a striking metallic face mask by artist Subodh Gupta, adding a strong conceptual edge to her look. Designer Manish Malhotra himself walked the red carpet in a bandhgala paired with a cape inspired by Mumbai, incorporating traditional techniques like zardozi, chikankari and kasab. Royal representatives Gauravi Kumari and Sawai Padmanabh Singh brought Jaipur’s heritage to the event, while philanthropist Sudha Reddy wore an ensemble inspired by Kalamkari traditions and the Tree of Life motif, reflecting her roots in Hyderabad. The star-studded evening also saw global icons such as Anne Hathaway, Margot Robbie, Sydney Sweeney, Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Blake Lively in attendance.

The Met Gala 2026 once again served as a global platform where fashion met culture and storytelling. This year, Indian celebrities stood out for seamlessly blending heritage with innovation, reinforcing India’s growing influence on the international fashion stage.