Commemorating 20 Years of Couture and 35 Years in Cinema, the Iconic Designer Bridged East and West with a Velvet Inverness-Inspired Ensemble, High Jewellery, and the Artistry of Indian Craftsmanship
On the storied steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, under the gaze of the global fashion world, Manish Malhotra- widely regarded as the
torchbearer of Indian couture- made a quiet yet resonant debut at the 2025 Met Gala.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid tribute to the cultural evolution of Black Dandyism- a narrative shaped by defiance, dignity, and aesthetic power. In response, Malhotra offered a creation as considered in its meaning as it was refined in its construction. At the intersection of history and haute couture, his presence bridged continents, philosophies, and sartorial legacies. Malhotra approached his Met Gala debut not as a spectacle, but as a continuation of a deeply rooted creative path- one shaped by instinct, memory, and an enduring reverence for textile traditions. 
His ensemble, a sculptural sherwani layered with a sharply tailored blazer and a floor-sweeping cape, drew inspiration from the 19th-century Inverness Dandya figure emblematic of both refinement and rebellion.
Crafted in lush velvet and hand-embroidered using centuries-old Indian techniques, the ensemble featured tonal cord work, glass bead accents, and gilded detailing. More than attire, it was an embodiment- an articulation of identity and pride, shaped by precision, intention, and restraint. The look echoed the spirit of Dandyism, a philosophy that transcended dress: a form of resistance, a declaration of intellect, individuality, and self-respect.
In a year when men’s jewellery has become a definitive language of style, Malhotra expanded its vocabulary. He wore not just one, but a purposeful cluster of brooches from his High Jewellery line- each one gleaming like a punctuation mark at the neckline, worn with conviction and continuity. These were not mere embellishments, but medallions of meaning- honoring craftsmanship and commanding attention with quiet strength. A crisp black tie added modern edge, while the ensemble’s exaggerated yet precise silhouette struck a careful balance between ornamentation and restraint. More than a garment, it was a cultural artefact- a statement of selfstyled sovereignty, where every thread carried the weight of heritage, and every jewel pointed to a future shaped by intention.
His ensemble- rooted in Indian sensibility yet shaped in dialogue with global fashion was a gesture of solidarity with the theme’s call for reclamation and resistance through style. Malhotra created more than a red-carpet moment; he offered a meditation on belonging.
This appearance at The Met Gala speaks a language of its own, blending a deep reverence for tradition with a bold, contemporary vision. His influence lies in revival, respect, and reinvention, making space for Indian craftsmanship in the world’s most storied style conversations. At a gala devoted to the politics of tailoring and the elegance of protest, Manish Malhotra’s creation stood firmly in that lineage. It honoured the dignity of Indian karigars (artsians), the grandeur of historic silhouettes, and the enduring power of dress as cultural expression.
READ MORE: Where to Brunch This Mother’s Day? Your Guide to Celebrate Her…
