The Met Gala 2026 recently concluded in New York, and the internet is buzzing about the best-dressed stars. This year’s theme was “Costume Art,” with a dress code of “Fashion Is Art,” encouraging guests to treat their clothing like a living art form.
The Look: “Framed In Eternity”
Bollywood director-producer Karan Johar made his first-ever appearance at the event in a striking black and gold jacket. The highlight of his outfit was a hand-painted cape featuring the works of legendary Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma.
- Designer: Manish Malhotra.
- Stylist: Eka Lakhani.
- Craftsmanship: It took 85 days and more than 80 artisans to create the ensemble.
- Accessories: He completed the look with custom rings, a neckpiece, and eyewear.
An Emotional Milestone
After walking the famous steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Karan shared a heartfelt message on social media. He described the moment as his life coming “full circle,” moving from a young dreamer who loved cinema costumes to attending fashion’s biggest night.
He explained that he chose to feature Raja Ravi Varma’s art because the painter “painted feelings,” which is something Karan strives to do in his movies. Rather than seeing the art on a canvas, he wanted to show it “in motion” to represent Indian culture and storytelling to the world.
Staying True to His Roots
Karan mentioned that he didn’t want to attend the gala just to “explain India.” Instead, he wanted to be himself, which naturally includes his heritage. He described the outfit as a way of wearing his personal inheritance and expressed that it was the most honest way to celebrate his first Met Gala.
Event Highlights
The 2026 Met Gala was led by a prestigious group of chairs:
- Co-Chairs: Beyoncé, Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour.
- Honorary Chairs: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.