The first Monday of May is always reserved for fashion's grandest event: the annual Met Gala in New York City. In 2026, the red carpet saw a significant Indian presence, led by renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra. Not only did he walk the carpet for the second time, but he also showcased his exquisite designs, subtly taking over the fashion landscape.
The Common Thread of the Hour
Hollywood stars Dwayne Johnson, Camila Mendes, philanthropist Sudha Reddy, and Indian filmmaker Karan Johar all graced the Met Gala steps wearing Manish Malhotra couture. Each ensemble reflected a distinct mood, yet they shared a cohesive DNA. Malhotra's own attire was a masterpiece: a black bandhgala suit with sleek trousers, layered with a dramatic black cape featuring heavily embroidered ivory detailing. This cape was a 960-hour project involving 50 artisans, whose signatures and names were incorporated, alongside motifs inspired by Mumbai, the dream city of India.
Dwayne Johnson's Clean Silhouette
Dwayne Johnson stunned in a dapper tuxedo with a twist. He paired a cropped suit with a pleated skirt, exuding unconventional masculine energy, and accessorized with a signature Manish Malhotra brooch set featuring emeralds and diamonds from Manish Malhotra High Jewellery.
Camila Mendes' Vintage Inspiration
Camila Mendes wore a mahogany customized couture gown inspired by the women in Amrita Sher-Gil's paintings. The structured gown featured a corseted base and hand-ruched French chiffon detailing with a sculptural knot around the hip. The surface mimicked dry brush strokes and pleats, complemented by high jewellery in tourmalines, uncut diamonds, and 18k gold from Manish Malhotra High Jewellery.
Karan Johar's Ode to Art
Karan Johar donned a stunning ensemble paying homage to Raja Ravi Varma, featuring celebrated works like Hamsa Damayanti, Kadambari, and Arjuna and Subhadra. The outfit showcased multiple art forms, including 3D sculpting, zardozi embroidery, hand painting, and quilting, celebrating Indian craftsmanship like never before.
Sudha Reddy's Tree of Life
Philanthropist Sudha Reddy wore an ensemble envisioned by Manish Malhotra in collaboration with Mariel Haenn, themed around the Tree of Life. Inspired by Kalamkari art, the couture featured sculpted velvet detailing, antique gold zari, and intricate zardozi with motifs of Palapitta, Jammi Chettu, Kalpavriksha, Tangedu, Surya, Chandra, and Kalpa, evoking a sense of Indian vintage nostalgia.
Manish Malhotra's quiet takeover of the Met Gala 2026 fashion carpet was a testament to his vision and the global appeal of Indian couture.
