The highly anticipated night of high-octane glamour, Met Gala 2024 is finally here! With the carpet unfurled, the illustrious star-studded affair witnessed looks that were truly a feast for the eyes. But beyond the glitz and the glam lies a deeper purpose: to serve as a prelude to the Costume Institute’s mission of commemorating the legacy of fashion through the ages. 

Hosted annually by the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, affectionately known as the MET, it is a spectacle like no other. The prestigious event is held on the first Monday of May amidst the bustling streets of New York City. Since its inception in 1948, the event has transcended to hold an increasingly significant role in highlighting art, fashion, and philanthropy. Every year, the gala is centred around a theme that pays homage to various artistic movements. 

The dress code for the 2024 carpet is inspired by J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story, ‘The Garden of Time’, a concept that eloquently captures the essence of fleeting beauty. The Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” and the official dress code are both interconnected. The idea of the exhibition has nothing to do with Disney princesses but revolves around celebrating 250 rare pieces that are too fragile and can no longer be worn and will lie in glass cases instead, like the fable Sleeping Beauty.  

A Constellation of Stars

With each passing year, the event witnesses a growing presence of Indian celebrities and personalities, each bringing their own unique flair. Marking a significant milestone in fashion history, Sabyasachi Mukherjee became the first Indian designer to walk the carpet at the Met Gala 2024. The style savant gave some serious notes to modern grooms on how to ace the modern Maharaja aesthetic, which perfectly harmonised with the designer’s persona.

Alia Bhatt turned into Sabyasachi’s muse in the couturier’s creation, which was nothing less than a celebration of Indian craftsmanship. The mint-green floral saree took a team of 163 people and around 1965 hours of painstaking effort. Drawing inspiration from the timeless sophistication of Indian nobility, the ensemble was bedecked with hand embroidery, semi-precious stones, elegant beadwork, a 23-foot-long trail with a 1920s fringe style. 

Stepping into the spotlight at the 2024 Met Gala, Mona Patel, entrepreneur and philanthropist, showcased her impeccable style in an off-shoulder vintage gown by Iris Van Herpen. Reflecting the event’s theme, ‘The Garden of Time,’ Patel’s attire showcased Van Herpen’s distinctive sculptural elements, crafted in an exquisite marbled fabric. The standout feature of Patel’s ensemble was the kinetic 3D butterflies adorning her sleeves that fluttered in slow motion, elevating her look with a touch of whimsy.

The multi-hyphenate Natasha Poonawalla, a prominent face at MET, turned heads yet again in a custom-made ensemble from Maison Margiela’s Artisanal Collection, curated by iconic designer John Galliano. The fashion-forward billionaire and philanthropist took the look to the next level with a puffy white beret with a matching layer of black chiffon detailing.

Sudha Reddy, a renowned Indian billionaire with roots in Hyderabad, made her second appearance at this year’s event. She captivated onlookers in a bespoke ivory silk dress by Tarun Tahiliani, featuring elaborate embroidery like delicate French knots and 3D butterflies. The designer took cues from historic Mughal gardens, adorning the corset with a hand-embroidered depiction of Mughal royalty. Sudha’s attire, crafted in Tahiliani’s characteristic muted beige-gold tones, was intended to evoke the charm of an antique heirloom. The gown was put together by a team of 80 artisans over a period of 4500 man hours. 

Isha Ambani graced the 2024 Met Gala exhibit with her radiant presence, adorned in a hand-embroidered couture saree gown envisioned by designer Rahul Mishra. Entitled ‘River of Life,’ the gown symbolised the essence of nature’s splendour and was a labour of love requiring over 10,000 hours to create. Embracing sustainability and the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship, the ensemble boasted delicate motifs and intricate embroidery.

Homegrown Designers

The Met Gala carpet was not just graced by prominent names from India, but also masterpieces by some of the country’s leading designers. The influence of homegrown designer labels has reached far and wide, captivating not only Indians but also international celebrities.

Mindy Kaling commanded attention in “The Melting Flower of Time”, a voluminous, nude-coloured strapless gown designed by renowned couturier Gaurav Gupta. The gown served as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of beauty, resembling a fully blossomed flower that is now fading away. Adorned with sculptural pieces that arced over her head and cascaded down her back in an intricate pattern of loops and swirls, the ensemble exuded a captivating allure. 

Famous American stylist Law Roach, who is known for injecting magic into silhouettes and crafting the most unforgettable looks, chose to make a statement in a custom AFEW by Rahul Mishra. The white ensemble showcases pristine foliage articulated in three-dimensional appliqué that is quilted and hand-embroidered to achieve the desired finish. He complemented the silhouette with a long, dramatic cape to take his sartorial prowess a notch higher.

From jaw-dropping couture to thought-provoking statements, Indians have left an indelible mark on the global fashion scene. Met Gala and Indian couture have once again proved their status as the pinnacle of style and creativity, thereby leaving a lasting impression on pop culture.