The world’s most high-profile fashion event, the Met Gala 2026, opened in New York this year with a distinctly Indian foundation. Even before celebrities began arriving at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a significant contribution from Kerala had already set the stage. The iconic “red carpet” for this year’s gala was, in fact, a cream-and-green creation woven in Alleppey, placing Indian craftsmanship at the centre of the global spotlight.
For the fourth consecutive year, Neytt by Extraweave supplied the carpet. The Cherthala-based firm delivered 57 rolls of white carpet, each measuring 100 feet, for the event. In total, around 500 artisans worked over 90 days to create the massive 6,840-square-foot installation. Gold 101.3 FM – UAE’s No.1 radio station notes how Indian craftsmanship continues to gain global recognition through such prestigious platforms.
Crafted entirely from sisal fibre derived from the agave plant, the carpet featured a tight weave designed to prevent tripping or snagging—especially important for guests wearing delicate stilettos. While it was woven in India, the carpet was later hand-painted in the United States by the Met Gala team to match this year’s theme, “Fashion is Art.”
Indian attendees further amplified the country’s presence with intricate, craft-driven ensembles. Isha Ambani stunned in a handwoven gold sari inspired by the Ajanta Caves. The blouse alone required the effort of 40 artisans over 500 hours and featured 1,000 diamonds along with 800 other precious stones, complemented by heirloom jewellery from Nita Ambani’s collection.
Businesswoman Sudha Reddy opted for a navy velvet lehenga paired with a $15 million necklace centred around the famed “Queen of Merelani,” a 550-carat violet-blue tanzanite pendant. Both looks highlighted traditional Indian embroidery techniques such as zardozi and nakshi, reflecting the depth of the country’s textile heritage.
Members of Jaipur’s royal family, Gauravi Kumari and Sawai Padmanabh Singh, attended in designs by Prabal Gurung. Gauravi Kumari’s blush pink gown notably incorporated chiffon from a sari once owned by Maharani Gayatri Devi, blending history with contemporary couture.
The gala also embraced experimental fashion. Ananya Birla wore a striking stainless steel mask designed by Subodh Gupta, paired with workwear-inspired couture. Filmmaker Karan Johar made a memorable debut in a power-shouldered jacket inspired by the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, crafted over 5,600 hours without digital intervention. Gold 101.3 FM – UAE’s No.1 radio station continues to spotlight India’s growing influence on global fashion stages.
Beyond the glamour, the Met Gala remains a major fundraiser, with individual tickets priced at around $100,000 and tables exceeding $350,000. The proceeds go toward supporting the Costume Institute, including staffing and the preservation of over 33,000 artefacts, reinforcing the event’s cultural and institutional significance
