The Met Gala 2026 has once again become the canvas of fashion art, grabbing the world's attention. This year's theme, 'Costume Art', with the dress code 'Fashion is Art', celebrates the artistic language of fashion — where celebrities bring their own interpretation of the theme and stun the world. Bringing Indian culture to the global stage, this year's red carpet was a stunning showcase of Indian art envisioned through fashion. From Karan Johar's debut to Isha Ambani's regal look, here's a closer look at the Indian celebrities' outfits at the Met Gala 2026.
Karan Johar
The Indian director made his gala debut with an outfit that represents both art and heritage. Designed by Manish Malhotra, it draws inspiration from the legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma, featuring his iconic paintings Hamsa Damayanti, Kadambari, Arjuna and Subhadra, and There Comes Papa. The outfit consists of a sharp-shouldered jacket paired with a stunning hand-painted cape that is 6 feet long. The ensemble is completed with a multi-gemstone necklace and rings from his own jewellery brand, Tyaani. The whole creation took over 80 artisans approximately 85 days to bring to life.
Manish Malhotra
The renowned fashion designer appeared on the Met Gala red carpet for his second consecutive year. His ensemble paired a classic Indian bandhgala with a dramatic cape – crafted not for the moment, but to honour the journey he has witnessed. The cape is embroidered with the famous landmarks of Mumbai, the signatures of his team members who contributed to the ensemble, and a three-dimensional representation of the artisans' craft. Together, these elements deliver an outfit that goes beyond fashion and a tribute to the place and the people who shaped him.
Isha Ambani
Reimagining the traditional outfit with a modern touch, Isha Ambani stole the show at this year's Met Gala with her sculptural ensemble. Created by Gaurav Gupta, celebrated for his flair for structural fashion, the look incorporates hand-painted Pichwai motifs along with a blouse embedded with rhinestones from her mother's diamond collection. Pure gold thread has been woven throughout the couture, lending the ensemble its luxurious, regal quality. The creation involved over 50 artisans and more than 1,200 hours of painstaking work.
Ananya Birla
Entrepreneur and singer Ananya Birla took the Met Gala by storm with her striking look. The black ensemble by Robert Wun features a half-waist blazer and a pleated ballroom skirt, completed by a sculptural mask created by artist Subodh Gupta. Together, these elements form a couture that commands attention — the mask adds an air of mystery, while the silhouette projects power, making it a true representation of her personality and the blend of workwear with artistic creativity.
Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Princess Gauravi Kumari
Bringing royal charm to the Met Gala 2026, Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Gauravi Kumari showcased their regal heritage through ensembles by Nepalese-American designer Prabal Gurung. Gauravi Kumari wore the saree of her grandmother, Maharani Gayatri Devi, beautifully transformed into a fluid gown. Meanwhile, Padmanabh arrived in a velvet coat adorned with Aari and Zardozi embroidery along with intricate dabka and resham work, an ensemble that took more than 600 hours to complete.
This year's Met Gala became a powerful showcase of Indian art and heritage expressed through fashion. Each celebrity wore more than a dress — their journey, inspiration, and heritage were woven into the very fabric of their couture. The red carpet offered not just unforgettable looks but stories that speak to the culture and craftsmanship that define them.
