Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra Celebrate Indian Couture at Met Gala 2026 Debut

At the Met Gala 2026, filmmaker Karan Johar and designer Manish Malhotra brought Indian couture to the global spotlight with striking, art-inspired ensembles. Held on May 4, the event’s theme, “Costume Art,” and dress code, “Fashion is Art,” provided the perfect stage for showcasing intricate craftsmanship rooted in Indian heritage.

Karan Johar made a grand debut at the Met Gala in a custom outfit designed by Manish Malhotra. His look drew inspiration from the iconic works of Raja Ravi Varma, blending cinematic storytelling with visual art. The ensemble featured a structured vintage jacket paired with a dramatic six-foot hand-painted cape, meticulously crafted by over 80 artisans across 85 days, highlighting the scale and precision of Indian craftsmanship.

Adding a personal touch, Johar accessorised his look with jewellery from his own brand, Tyaani. Speaking about his debut, he emphasised authenticity over symbolism, stating that he wanted to represent India by simply being himself. He noted that the inspiration from Raja Ravi Varma resonated with his filmmaking style, as both aimed to capture and express deep human emotions through art.

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Manish Malhotra, meanwhile, presented an equally powerful tribute to Indian artistry through his own outfit. He wore a classic bandhgala paired with a statement cape that celebrated his journey in Mumbai. The cape showcased detailed depictions of iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Gateway of India, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, along with scenes of everyday city life.

Crafted using traditional techniques such as zardozi, chikankari, and kasab embroidery, Malhotra’s ensemble took over 960 hours and involved more than 50 artisans from Mumbai and Delhi. Together, both appearances highlighted the richness of Indian textiles, craftsmanship, and storytelling, reinforcing India’s growing influence on the global fashion stage.

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