Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra To Isha Ambani; 7 Indian Celebs Who Redefine Costume Art At Met Gala 2026

Met Gala 2026 was another example that demonstrated why this event deserves the reputation of being the biggest night of fashion when the art of dress-making becomes storytelling and clothes become art itself. This gala, organised in one of the most famous museums of New York City – the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was marked by the theme "Costume Art" and the dress code "Fashion Is Art."

At the Met Gala 2026, Indian celebrities truly amazed viewers with their ability to combine traditional, creative, and stylish elements.

Karan Johar

Karan Johar’s debut at the Met Gala was truly iconic. Wearing his bespoke attire designed by none other than Manish Malhotra, Johar was dressed like an artist himself. He wore a flowing cape that was hand-painted with motifs from Raja Ravi Varma, one of the most influential artists to come out of India. It took several artisans weeks to paint his garment in exquisite detail, and all of their efforts made him a walking artwork.

Manish Malhotra

Celebrity designer Manish Malhotra, another well-known person in the realm of Indian fashion, has also created a huge buzz for himself. Manish has selected an extremely emotional storyline, that is, Mumbai, which was a part of him and influenced him in becoming what he is today, a famous designer. The suit worn by Manish, which was a black structured suit with a grand cape, was made by many craftsmen over hundreds of hours, and the suit spoke volumes about the Indian art of designing.

Manish Malhotra at the Met Gala (Image Credit: Instagram @manishmalhotra05) 

Isha Ambani

One of the most luxurious looks at this year’s gala event came from Isha Ambani. Donning a bespoke golden saree designed by Gaurav Gupta, she elevated Indian traditional clothing to the level of art. Created within 1,200 hours and decorated with 1,800-carat diamonds and gems, mostly from her family heirlooms, this piece of clothing became a perfect example of wearable luxury for this event. Moreover, Isha Ambani’s style was complemented by an extraordinary piece of jewellery shaped as a mango, which brought culture and avant-garde together.

Isha Ambani Looks Breath-taking At Met Gala 2026 (Image Credit: Instagram @anaitashroffadajania)

Ananya Birla

One more Indian celebrity who graced the red carpet of this Met Gala event was Ananya Birla. Appearing on the gala in a black couture piece with the futuristic metal mask, she demonstrated another dimension of Indian art represented through fashion.

Ananya Birla At Met Gala (Image Credit: Instagram @ananyabirla)

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Natasha Poonawalla

Natasha Poonawalla, who is an annual guest at the Met Gala, once again presented a couture-like dress that combined Indian fabric elements with designs from around the world. Known for always wearing daring outfits, she remained one of the most consistent global fashion icons from India.

Natasha Poonawalla at Met Gala (Instagram @natasha.poonawalla) 

Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh And Princess Gauravi Kumari

Straight from Jaipur’s royal family, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Princess Gauravi Kumari honoured the red carpet in a modern royal ensemble by talented Nepalese American designer Prabal Gurung.

Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh At Met Gala (Image Credit: Instagram @prabalgurung) 

Gauravi Kumari channelled Maharani Gayatri Devi’s elegance, and on the other hand, Sawai Padmanabh Singh honoured Jaipur’s legacy through his look.

Princess Gauravi Kumari At Met Gala (Image Credit: Instagram @prabalgurung) 

What makes the participation of Indian celebrities at the Met Gala 2026 particularly unique is the story behind every look. Whether it is about painted capes, designs inspired by cities, heirloom jewellery or sculptural sarees, the fashion statements of Indian celebrities did not just adhere to the theme of the event; they took it beyond imagination.

ALSO READ: Karan Johar's Met Gala Debut In Manish Malhotra Is A Tribute To Raja Ravi Varma; See PHOTOS

The Indian designers showed that tradition can indeed be experimental as well. Turning century-old designs into works of contemporary art proved the power of costume design in today's world.