The theme of this year’s Gala, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s acclaimed book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The dress code, “Tailored To You,” marks the first time in decades that the Met Gala has focused exclusively on menswear. This shift opened up a new canvas for creative expression, blending sharp tailoring with personal, cultural narratives.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Grand Debut
Shah Rukh Khan, dressed by iconic Indian designer Sabyasachi, made an understated yet powerful debut. Clad in a custom black ensemble that played with textures and traditional Indian tailoring, SRK looked every bit the global icon he is. A subtle yet symbolic addition to his look was a chain bearing the letter “K,” a nod to his moniker "King Khan." Speaking from the black carpet, Khan shared his nerves and excitement, noting that his children were thrilled about his attendance. “I’m very shy. I don’t usually do red carpets,” he admitted, adding that Sabyasachi’s insistence and his children’s enthusiasm persuaded him to attend.
Indian Representation at the Gala Reaches New Heights
Making his debut as well, Diljit Dosanjh arrived in an awe-inspiring ensemble crafted by designer Prabal Gurung and stylist Abhilasha Devnani. Inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, Dosanjh’s ivory and gold sherwani featured exquisite Indian cultural motifs like lotus flowers, peacocks, and Gurmukhi script. A flowing cape with a depiction of Punjab completed his look. The jewelry, including a handcrafted turban brooch by Golecha’s, replaced the historic 1,000-carat necklace of the Maharaja that remains in a museum.
Kiara Advani, glowing and pregnant, graced the Met Gala in a custom sculptural gown by Gaurav Gupta titled “Bravehearts.” The piece symbolized motherhood through two heart forms representing mother and baby, connected with a metallic umbilical chain. This appearance marked a deeply personal and elegant debut for the Bollywood star, who is expecting her first child with husband Sidharth Malhotra.
Priyanka Chopra, now a Met Gala veteran, attended her fifth Gala in a polka dot suit dress by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain. The structured black-and-white outfit paid tribute to classic dandy style while adding a feminine twist with dramatic peplum tailoring and an oversized Victorian hat. A stunning emerald necklace by Bulgari added glamour, and Nick Jonas, dressed in a complementing monochrome look by Balmain, was once again her stylish plus-one.
Global Icons Bring High Fashion to the Black Carpet
Apart from the Indian contingent, the Met Gala 2025 saw a star-studded turnout. Zendaya delivered ‘70s glam in Louis Vuitton, Dua Lipa stunned in a black Chanel gown, and Megan Thee Stallion turned heads in a silver dress with a white fur coat. Music stars like Bad Bunny wore Prada with a Puerto Rican pava hat twist, and Doechii wore custom Louis Vuitton tailored pieces from head to toe.
A$AP Rocky, one of the event’s co-chairs, honored Harlem’s streetwear past with a technical wool parka by AWGE, blending tailoring with nostalgia. Actor Colman Domingo, also a co-chair, wowed in Valentino with a pleated blue cape and antique silver accessories. Lewis Hamilton sported a pristine white tuxedo adorned with cowrie shell jewelry, staying on theme while embracing African aesthetics.
The event was hosted under the watchful eye of Anna Wintour, who was joined by co-chairs Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton. Honorary chair LeBron James added further star power to the roster. Attendees included Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Usher, Law Roach, and Yara Shahidi.
A Cultural Milestone in Indian Fashion Representation
The Met Gala 2025 will be remembered not just for its celebration of tailoring and Black fashion but also for welcoming Indian fashion and identity into the global style conversation in a major way. Shah Rukh Khan’s debut marked a long-overdue milestone, while Kiara Advani and Diljit Dosanjh brought depth, emotion, and culture to the black carpet. Priyanka Chopra's continued dominance showcased how Indian representation is no longer a novelty but an integral part of fashion's biggest night out.
With powerful storytelling embedded in their clothing, these Indian celebrities did more than just walk a carpet they stitched new narratives into the fabric of global fashion history.
