Red Carpet becomes style showcase

Aanchal Chaudhary

The Met Gala 2026, held on the first Monday of May, didn’t just serve looks this year; it delivered full-blown performance art. With the theme “Costume Art” and “Fashion Is Art” as the dress code, the red carpet turned into a living gallery. From surreal sculptures to cinematic gowns, here are the most unique looks that truly broke the internet.

Isha Ambani’s heirloom art statement

Isha Ambani embraced the theme in a custom Gaurav Gupta saree crafted with gold threads and Pichwai-inspired motifs. Styled with heirloom jewellery from Nita Ambani’s collection, her look blended heritage with modern artistry. She also carried a 20-year-old sculptural mango piece by Subodh Gupta, adding a deeply personal and artistic touch.

Ananya Birla’s masked debut look

Ananya Birla made a striking debut in a Robert Wun couture ensemble featuring a structured jacket and flowing skirt. The highlight was a stainless steel mask by Subodh Gupta that concealed her face, turning her into a living installation. Her bold appearance quickly went viral, making her one of the most talked-about attendees.

Manish Malhotra honours Mumbai craftsmanship

Manish Malhotra turned his appearance into a tribute to Mumbai, wearing a bandhgala with a dramatic sculptural cape. Crafted over 960 hours by artisans, the ensemble featured chikankari, zardozi, and zari work. The look also incorporated names of artisans, celebrating craftsmanship while aligning perfectly with the “Fashion Is Art” theme.

KJo’s tribute to Raja Ravi Varma

Karan Johar made a grand debut in a Manish Malhotra ensemble inspired by painter Raja Ravi Varma. His look featured a structured jacket and a six-foot-long cape adorned with hand-painted motifs. Created over 85 days, the outfit transformed him into a moving canvas, celebrating Indian art and craftsmanship on a global stage.