Kolkata's sholar kaaj has transcended its origins in pujo décor to make a striking entry into global couture. At the 2026 Met Gala, Diya Mehta Jatia turned heads in a custom Mayyur Girotra ensemble that reimagined Bengal's traditional sholapith craft as sculptural high fashion. The outfit featured a gold-and-silver Kanjeevaram base, layered with ivory-toned drama reminiscent of daaker saaj. It was further elevated by bespoke high jewellery from QWEEN, marking the label's global debut with rare statement gemstones, including a 25-carat emerald and a 20-carat diamond, adding a sharp, contemporary edge.
Artisans Behind the Look
“It’s an art form that’s slowly fading, which makes this process even more special. Our inspiration came directly from Shola, its textures, its delicacy, its quiet grandeur,” said designer Mayyur Girotra. The creation was brought to life by four Bengali Malakar artisans who spent weeks hand-sculpting its intricate elements. “It’s extremely intricate work—each detail is shaped like gold jewellery… for us, these outfits feel like a dream,” added artisan Pintu Molla.
What is Sholapith?
Sholapith is the soft white pith of the shola plant (Aeschynomene aspera), a marshland species often called Indian cork. Traditionally practised by Bengal’s Malakar community, the craft is best known for Durga Puja décor, bridal topors, and ritual ornamentation across districts like Murshidabad, Nadia, and Hooghly. For the Met Gala look, four artisans from Kolkata adapted this fragile, non-textile material into wearable, couture-scale structures. This marks a rare shift from ceremonial use to global fashion, placing one of Bengal’s most recognisable yet vulnerable crafts on an international stage.
