Mumbai: Indian Elite Shine at the Met Gala
The Met Gala, a highlight of the fashion calendar held at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcased India’s corporate stars this year. With a theme celebrating “fashion as art,” the event saw some of Bollywood’s notable figures step out in style, though the representation was less than in previous years.
Notable appearances included billionaire heiresses Isha Ambani, Ananya Birla, and Natasha Poonawalla, who graced the red carpet alongside international celebrities. For Ananya Birla, attending the Met Gala for the first time, her outfit was a creative expression of contrasts. “We wanted to show how everyday things could be transformed into something amazing. That was the starting point of my look,” she shared.
Birla dazzled in a sharply structured blazer paired with a flowing ballroom skirt by Robert Wun, topped off with a striking headpiece by artist Subodh Gupta, made from everyday items. This unique sculptural mask transformed familiar objects into an extraordinary fashion statement. “It reflects both my business and music interests. It’s about recognizing beauty in the everyday,” she explained.
Natasha Poonawalla brought her own artistic flair with an elegant white dress. Her look featured a custom-made sculpture of a white orchid by Marc Quinn, wrapped around a Dolce & Gabbana design, which she plans to donate back to the museum. “The orchid symbolizes beauty, resilience, and peace, transcending borders,” she mentioned. “Collaborating with Marc was all about creating art that interacts with the human form, showcasing a blend of cultures and craftsmanship.”
Isha Ambani opted for a graceful handwoven sari by Gaurav Gupta, consisting of pure gold threads, paired with an intricately embellished blouse from her mother’s collection. Completing her outfit with a mango sculpture by Gupta, she certainly embraced the theme in a meaningful way.
Joining the gala as newcomers, businesswoman Sudha Reddy and Jaipur royals Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Gauravi Kumari made a memorable entrance. Gauravi reinvented a vintage pink chiffon sari from her grandmother into a modern gown, paying homage to Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City. “The experience was surreal, especially enjoying performances and seeing the creative takes on the theme,” she shared.
Mayyur Girotra, a designer and former investment banker from New Delhi, also made his debut by dressing Diya Mehta Jatia, Shloka Ambani’s sister. He aimed to highlight the traditional craft of Shola, which is increasingly rare. “Attending the Met Gala is a validation of sorts, pushing me beyond my limits creatively,” he expressed. “It’s about creating the best possible garment until the very last moment.”
Meanwhile, filmmaker Karan Johar impressed in a couture outfit inspired by Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, designed by Manish Malhotra. The evening not only celebrated fashion but also raised funds for the Costume Institute at the Met, solidifying the event’s status as a cultural cornerstone.
