India at Met Gala 2026: Karan Johar debuts in Raja Ravi Varma-inspired look, Manish Malhotra pays tribute to Mumbai. Details inside

The Met Gala 2026 brought together fashion and art under this year’s theme, “Costume Art,” with a dress code that encouraged guests to treat fashion as a form of artistic expression. Co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams, the May 4 event saw global celebrities interpret style as storytelling. Among the Indian names on the carpet, Karan Johar made a striking debut, while Manish Malhotra returned for his second appearance.

Met Gala 2026: Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra steal the show

For Karan Johar, the Met Gala became an extension of his cinematic voice. The filmmaker approached the red carpet as a storytelling canvas, showing his long-held belief that how a story is told is just as important as the story itself. His outfit, designed by Manish Malhotra and styled by Eka Lakhani, drew heavily from the works of iconic painter Raja Ravi Varma, known for shaping India’s visual imagination through his art.

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Kjo's ensemble stood out for its intricate craftsmanship. According to Vogue report, it featured hand-painted motifs such as lotuses, swans and architectural pillars, combined with rich zardozi embroidery. Even the inner lining of the jacket was painted by hand, a detail not immediately visible but integral to the design. The garment took nearly 5,600 hours over 86 days to complete, with artisans using acrylic and oil-based finishes to recreate the depth and sheen of a traditional painting on fabric.

Speaking about the look, he took to Instagram and shared, "Framed In Eternity. Inspired by the art of Raja Ravi Varma.
Raja Ravi Varma felt right because his work does something I’ve always tried to do in cinema. He painted feelings.

And who better than my oldest partner in crime & fashion to help me bring this to life other than Manish Malhotra. To bring our Indian culture to the global stage with the vision of couture and gratitude woven together, is an art form in itself which he has mastered. You made me feel like a canvas for your art, thank you!"

Manish Malhotra, meanwhile, brought a deeply personal narrative to the Met Gala carpet. For his second appearance, the designer wore a structured bandhgala paired with a statement cape that turned the spotlight on the people behind his creations. The cape was embroidered with the names and signatures of artisans, making their contributions a visible part of the design.

The piece also served as a tribute to Mumbai, the city that shaped Malhotra’s journey from cinema to couture. Landmarks such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus were intricately depicted alongside everyday scenes, including trains and street life. Rather than presenting a polished skyline, the design captured the rhythm and reality of the city that influenced his creative identity.

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Crafted over 960 hours by a team of 50 artisans across Mumbai and Delhi, the cape incorporated traditional techniques like zardozi, chikankari and kasab embroidery. Small yet thoughtful details, including miniature figures representing craftsmen at work, highlighted the labour and skill behind the garment. Malhotra described the piece as deeply personal, saying it reflects both his journey and the artisans who have been part of it.

Where to watch Met Gala 2026 live in India?

The Met Gala 2026 will be livestreamed on the official website and digital platforms of Vogue, including YouTube and TikTok. The broadcast will be hosted by Ashley Graham, La La Anthony and Cara Delevingne. Coverage will begin at 6 p.m. (ET), bringing global viewers live access to fashion’s biggest night.