Who stole the show? 5 Indians who turned heads at Met Gala 2026

The Met Gala 2026, themed “Fashion is Art,” saw a notable Indian presence, with several personalities interpreting the brief through craftsmanship, culture and conceptual design. Instagram posts from the attendees offered a closer look at their ensembles, detailing the ideas and inspirations behind each appearance. Here’s a closer look at five Indians who drew attention this year.

Isha Ambani's look on Met Gala 2026

Isha Ambani’s sculptural saree reimagined

Isha Ambani’s look brought a fresh perspective to the traditional saree. She wore a gold-toned drape paired with a sculptural cape designed by Gaurav Gupta. The outfit blended structure with fluidity, aligning with the theme’s focus on fashion as an art form.

Also Read | Met Gala 2026: From Bad Bunny to Connor Storrie, men who owned the red carpet

Speaking about her look, she said to the media, “For me as an Indian, it (saree) was the ultimate symbol of art form.” The ensemble was complemented by statement jewellery and intricate detailing, turning the classic silhouette into a modern, gallery-like piece. Her Instagram post highlighted both the craftsmanship and the idea behind reinterpreting tradition for a global stage.

Karan Johar's look on Met Gala 2026

Karan Johar’s artistic debut

Karan Johar made his Met Gala debut with a look rooted in Indian art history. Dressed in a Manish Malhotra creation, his outfit drew inspiration from painter Raja Ravi Varma, reflecting a blend of storytelling and couture.

Through his Instagram caption, Johar described himself as a “canvas for art,” underlining the intention behind the look. The ensemble combined layered textures, rich embroidery and a dramatic silhouette, aligning with the evening’s theme while showcasing Indian design sensibilities.

Natasha Poonawalla’s fusion of art and couture

Natasha Poonawalla once again opted for a bold, experimental look. Her outfit paired a sculptural piece by artist Marc Quinn with a couture base from Dolce & Gabbana.

The result was a visually striking ensemble that blurred the line between art installation and fashion. Her Instagram reveal focused on the collaboration between art and design, reinforcing how the look translated the theme into a wearable concept.

Ananya Birla’s conceptual edge

Ananya Birla took a more abstract route with her Met Gala appearance. Her outfit featured stainless steel elements inspired by artist Subodh Gupta, creating a strong visual identity.

The design incorporated mask-like features and metallic textures, looking a futuristic and symbolic feel. Her Instagram post emphasised the transformation of everyday materials into high fashion, aligning with the idea of fashion as an artistic medium.

Manish Malhotra’s craftsmanship on display

Designer Manish Malhotra also made a statement with his own appearance. He wore a reimagined bandh gala paired with an architectural cape, highlighting Indian craftsmanship on an international platform.

The outfit involved the work of more than 50 artisans and featured detailed embroidery and structured tailoring. His Instagram showcased the making of the ensemble, drawing attention to the effort and artistry behind the final look.

From reworked sarees to conceptual metallic designs, these appearances reflected a wide spectrum of interpretations of the theme. Through their Instagram posts and red carpet moments, each of them presented fashion not just as clothing, but as a form of artistic expression rooted in identity, heritage and innovation.