Met Gala 2026: Indian Craft Steals the Spotlight
Yes, we’re tired of the billionaire Hunger Games. But this year’s carpet also showcased the subcontinent’s talented artisans.
This year’s theme, “Fashion is Art,” invited attendees to pair garments with their artistic inspirations — and many of the night’s most memorable looks leaned into Indian heritage techniques. Karan Johar paid homage to Raja Ravi Varma with Manish Malhotra; Sudha Reddy brought kalamkari to the carpet; Diya Mehta Jatia wore sculpted Bengali shola; SZA arrived in repurposed saris; and Prabal Gurung dressed Jaipur royalty and several of the night’s biggest stars.
Amid the usual billionaire spectacle, the most compelling story of the night was the artisanship: the hours, hands, histories, and regional crafts behind the glamour. Designer Manish Malhotra dedicated his look to the artisans he works with. Literal art, including sculptures by Subodh Gupta — from a mango to a mask made with Indian silverware — stole the show. Without further ado, here’s a roundup of the biggest South Asian moments from the first Monday in May.
(Editor’s note: We are editorially independent and not influenced or funded by any designers. We are supported by subscribers who believe in independent journalism — thank you!)