Met Gala 2025: India’s Designers and Stars Command the Global Stage in Timeless Black and White

The 2025 Met Gala transformed into a celebration of not only fashion but also identity, heritage, and craftsmanship. With the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” and a dress code titled “Tailored for You,” this year’s event spotlighted the historic influence of Black dandyism and celebrated individual expression through tailoring. India emerged as one of the evening’s most commanding forces, with its leading designers and celebrities bringing cultural depth and stunning artistry to the iconic blue carpet.

Manish Malhotra’s Regal Met Debut

Manish Malhotra, one of Bollywood’s most trusted couturiers, made a striking first appearance at the Met Gala, channelling elegance with a distinctly Indian soul. His ensemble—a majestic black overcoat shrug embroidered with gold motifs—radiated timeless sophistication. A crisp white shirt featuring dramatic bishop sleeves added romantic depth, while his accessories became the story’s punctuation. A sleek black tie was elevated by silver brooches with emerald-green stones, and a gold elephant-head pin brought cultural symbolism front and centre. The look was completed with black combat boots, grounding the ensemble in modern masculinity. Malhotra’s presence was not just a fashion statement, but a cultural one, affirming his place on the world stage as both creator and icon.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee Redefines Classic Elegance

In contrast to Malhotra’s grandeur, Sabyasachi Mukherjee chose understatement as his instrument. Making his second Met appearance, he built his look through refined layering—a white shirt, trench coat, and an overcoat with a trailing hem that moved with graceful poise. His high-waisted black trousers reflected sharp tailoring, and his accessories—a bold choker, multiple statement rings, and a carefully chosen headpiece with a brooch—brought personal flair. Mukherjee reminded the world that minimalism, when styled with intent and tradition, is an expression of power.

Indian Stars Light Up the Met Carpet

The designers weren’t alone in representing India with pride. Shah Rukh Khan made history as the first Indian male actor to walk the Met Gala carpet. Styled by Sabyasachi, his black ensemble featured a sweeping coat with gold detailing and a jewelled “K” pendant—paying homage to his ‘King Khan’ persona. His regal yet restrained appearance signalled a bold step forward for Indian male representation on global platforms.

Kiara Advani brought symbolism and sentiment in a sculptural black gown by Gaurav Gupta. The gown’s focal point—a golden breastplate shaped like two hearts connected by a chain—evoked the bond between mother and child. Expecting her first child, Kiara’s look was a radiant tribute to motherhood, rendered in haute couture.

Diljit Dosanjh’s look was a revival of royal Punjabi elegance, designed by Prabal Gurung. His ivory sherwani and elaborate gold cape, adorned with cultural motifs like lotuses and Gurmukhi script, exuded spiritual richness and regal splendor. With handcrafted jewellery and a signature turban brooch, his appearance was a poetic nod to heritage and identity.

A Global Stage, An Indian Statement

From Priyanka Chopra’s refined Hollywood-inspired Balmain look to Natasha Poonawalla’s sculptural Manish Malhotra creation celebrating Parsi embroidery, Indian fashion made its presence undeniable. Each ensemble told a story of craft, of tradition, and of vision. The Met Gala 2025 was not just an evening of glamour; it was a declaration. Indian designers and stars didn’t simply attend—they owned the night, proving that global fashion is incomplete without the soul and storytelling of India.