Ahead of the Met Gala 2026, here’s a look back at Indian celebrities who have made unforgettable style statements on fashion’s biggest stage over the years. From dramatic couture to culturally rooted ensembles, these stars have turned heads on the iconic red carpet
Shah Rukh Khan: Making his Met Gala debut, Shah Rukh Khan channelled dandyism in a sharp all-black Sabyasachi ensemble. A rhinestone-studded “K” pendant, layered jewellery, and a cane brought in a touch of drama, while his tousled hair, dark sunglasses, and leather boots added his unmistakable signature edge. (Image: Instagram)
Alia Bhatt: At the Met Gala 2024, Alia Bhatt set the internet abuzz in a custom mint-green sari by Sabyasachi, complete with a dramatic 23-foot train. The ensemble featured intricate floral embroidery crafted with silk floss, glass beads, and semi-precious stones. She styled her hair in a loose updo, adorned with strands of gemstones that echoed the sari’s detailing, and finished the look with statement tourmaline-and-diamond earrings and stacked cocktail rings from Sabyasachi Accessories. (Image: Instagram)
Kiara Advani: For her Met Gala debut, Kiara Advani made a striking entrance in a custom Gaurav Gupta creation. Embracing her baby bump, she wore an off-the-shoulder black gown paired with a dramatic sculptural gold corset, blending elegance with bold, contemporary design. (Image: Instagram)
Priyanka Chopra: For her Met Gala debut in 2017, Priyanka Chopra turned heads in a dramatic Ralph Lauren trench coat-inspired ensemble. One of the first Bollywood stars to attend the event alongside her husband Nick Jonas, Chopra embraced the evening’s theme, Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between. While the look paid tribute to the avant-garde spirit of the theme, it quickly took on a life of its own—sparking a wave of memes on social media and cementing its place as a memorable pop-culture moment. (File Photo)
Deepika Padukone: Long before Barbiecore took over, Deepika Padukone channelled the iconic doll aesthetic in a striking pink Zac Posen gown for the Camp: Notes on Fashion theme. She styled the look with a dramatic high ponytail and bold marsala lips, adding to its theatrical appeal. The strapless gown, crafted from lurex jacquard, was elevated with 400 pieces of intricate three-dimensional embroidery, making it a true showstopper. (File Photo)
Isha Ambani: At the Met Gala 2024, Isha Ambani made a striking appearance in a hand-embroidered couture sari gown by Rahul Mishra. The ensemble was intricately adorned with motifs of flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies, brought to life through traditional techniques like zardozi, nakshi, and dabka. She completed the look with a statement choker, earrings by Viren Bhagat, and a bag from Swadesh and Jade by Monica and Karishma, adding a refined finishing touch. (Image: Instagram)
Natasha Poonawalla: At the Met Gala 2022, Natasha Poonawalla earned a spot on the best-dressed lists with her striking fusion look. She paired a Sabyasachi sari with a Schiaparelli gold corset featuring celestial, astronomy-inspired details, giving the Gilded Glamour theme a distinct Indian twist. She elevated the ensemble with stacks of heavily embellished bangles and long, dangling earrings adorned with large uncut precious stones, creating a look that was both opulent and unforgettable. (Image: Instagram)
Manish Malhotra: Making his Met Gala debut, Manish Malhotra stepped out in a sculptural black sherwani cape that fused Indian couture with refined dandy-inspired elegance for the “Tailored for You” dress code. Accented with intricate embroidery, glass bead detailing, and brooches from his own High Jewellery line, the ensemble highlighted rich, layered craftsmanship and a strong design sensibility. (File Photo)
