Natasha Poonawalla stuns as ‘The Empress’ in Manish Malhotra outfit at Met Gala 2025, serving a masterclass in couture fantasy

Natasha Poonawalla’s Met Gala 2025 appearance is nothing short of a regal fever dream — a breathtaking confluence of couture, culture, and commanding power. Draped in a magnificent Manish Malhotra creation, she channels futuristic royalty with a nod to ancestral Indian opulence. Her floor-sweeping gown, rendered in rich hues of indigo and black, features intricate hand-embroidered Gara work — a tribute to India’s storied textile legacy.

The bodice, corseted and sculpted to perfection, is layered with an ornate bustier, while the exaggerated shoulders and structured peplum lend her silhouette the gravitas of an empress. A dramatic, avant-garde white ruff collar frames her face like a work of art, adorned with cascading pearl strands that add celestial drama. Her sleek hair is pulled back into a tight bun, giving way to ethereal makeup — a porcelain complexion, flushed cheeks, and a bold eye that commands attention. A single oversized emerald ring punctuates the look with a burst of grandeur. Manish Malhotra perfectly captioned the moment, “The Empress of Indian Fashion”.

Manish Malhotra further added that her Met Gala 2025 look is an exquisite fusion of armour, artistry, and ancestry. He called her a vision of dandyism, draped in the rich heritage and legacy of Indian Gara embroidery.

About Met Gala 2025

This year’s Met Gala celebrates the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, spotlighting the role of fashion in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora. Curated by Andrew Bolton and Monica Miller, the exhibit is inspired by 12 tenets of Black dandyism. For the first time, the Met Gala theme itself is iconic, honoring Afro-American pioneers who redefined style and presence. Co-chaired by Pharrell, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton, with La La Anthony hosting alongside Teyana Taylor and Ego Nwodim, the event sees LeBron James as honorary chair and is streamed live via Vogue’s platforms.