NEW DELHI: The Met Gala stands as fashion’s grandest stage, drawing global stars to its iconic red carpet steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York each May. Over the years, Indian celebrities have elevated this event with breathtaking fusion of desi glamour and haute couture, blending intricate embroideries, flowing sarees, and bold silhouettes that honour cultural roots while embracing international themes like “Garden of Time” or “Gilded Glamour”. From Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s meme-famous trench coat debut in 2017 to Alia Bhatt’s floral Sabyasachi saree in 2024, these iconic Indian Met Gala looks have sparked worldwide buzz, showcasing designers such as Sabyasachi, Prabal Gurung, and Manish Malhotra.
As excitement builds for the Met Gala 2026 on 4 May, with its theme promising fresh artistic interpretations, it’s the perfect moment to relive these standout moments. This fashion lookbook dives into the top iconic Indian Met Gala looks that redefined red carpet fashion.
Iconic met gala looks by Indian celebs
1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s Trench Coat Gown (2017)
Priyanka made waves at her Met Gala debut with a dramatic beige Ralph Lauren trench coat gown featuring a massive train and high collar. Inspired by the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons” theme, this bold look became instantly meme-worthy and marked her as a trailblazer for Bollywood on the global stage. It blended edge with elegance, turning heads and sparking endless chatter.
2. Deepika Padukone’s Red Sculptural Gown (2018)
Deepika stunned in a fiery red off-shoulder Prabal Gurung gown with dramatic ruffled shoulders and a thigh-high slit for the “Heavenly Bodies” theme. The sculptural design evoked Catholic opulence, making her a vision of power and grace on the red carpet. This look cemented her status as a fashion force.
3. Alia Bhatt’s Mint Green Sabyasachi Saree (2024)
Alia Bhatt channelled fairytale magic in a sparkling mint green Sabyasachi saree adorned with gemstones, floral embroidery, and a 23-foot train for “Garden of Time”. This fusion of tradition and glamour earned global praise, highlighting Indian craftsmanship at its finest. Simple yet show-stopping.
4. Natasha Poonawalla’s Gold Saree Fusion (2022)
Natasha paired a shimmering Sabyasachi saree with a Schiaparelli gold corset for “Gilded Glamour”, adding stacks of bejewelled bangles and stones. Landing her on best-dressed lists, this desi twist brought opulent Indian heritage to the forefront with effortless drama.
5. Isha Ambani’s Pale Violet Tulle Gown (2019)
Isha debuted memorably in a voluminous Prabal Gurung pale violet tulle gown hand-embroidered with crystals and ostrich feathers, taking 350 hours to craft for “Camp: Notes on Fashion”. Ethereal and extravagant, it showcased her flair for high-drama couture.
6. Diljit Dosanjh’s Regal Maharaja Ensemble (2025)
Diljit ruled the carpet in an ornate white sherwani, turban, and sword, honouring royal Indian roots with intricate details. This majestic look celebrated Punjabi pride amid global stars, proving menswear can steal the show at Met Gala.
Indian celebrities have truly transformed the Met Gala red carpet with their creativity, confidence, and cultural richness. As Met Gala 2026 approaches, excitement is building to see how Indian stars will once again blend tradition with modern glamour and create unforgettable fashion moments.