Karan Johar Reflects on His Fashion and Film Journey Ahead of Met Gala
Filmmaker Karan Johar recently shared his thoughts about his career in fashion and cinema as he prepared for the 2026 Met Gala in New York. Speaking at the Empire State Building, Johar expressed how attending such a prestigious event feels like a significant milestone in his life’s journey.
He reminisced about his early passion for costume design, saying, “I started as a costume designer at 22. While I eventually moved on to directing and producing, my love for fashion has always stayed with me.”
Johar fondly recalled his first encounter with fashion magazines, particularly Vogue, which he discovered at a young age. “I was just 12 when I read my first Vogue. Back then, it wasn’t easily available in India, so I had to find an old copy at a local shop,” he remembered.
Talking about the importance of the Met Gala, Johar revealed how he had imagined being part of it for years. “Walking on that carpet, which tells a story through fashion, is such a profound experience for me. This year’s theme, ‘Fashion is Art,’ makes it even more meaningful as I get to represent India,” he noted.
He emphasized the significance of showcasing Indian culture on such a global platform. “It’s essential for me to highlight our rich cultural heritage through my outfit,” he added.
On a lighter note, Johar shared a personal wish for the evening. As a father of twins, he expressed his hope to meet singer Sabrina Carpenter, who is a favorite of his daughter Roohi. “If I could take a selfie with her, it would be the best gift for my daughter,” he said, smiling.
Johar’s outfit for the gala has been crafted by renowned designer Manish Malhotra, who is also his close friend. “Manish has designed the costumes for every film I’ve directed, and having him create my outfit for the Met Gala feels like a perfect collaboration,” Johar shared.
He expressed the emotional weight of their partnership, highlighting their individual journeys in fashion and film. “We both have different paths, but we come together beautifully to represent our country, and that makes me incredibly proud,” he concluded.
