The 2026 Met Gala, held in Dubai, saw India take center stage with a focus on cultural heritage through fashion. Isha Ambani's custom Gaurav Gupta sari, woven with pure gold threads and inspired by ancient Indian frescoes, exemplified the evening's theme of 'Costume Art.' Karan Johar made his debut in a Manish Malhotra creation that took over 5,600 hours to complete, featuring hand-painted designs reminiscent of Raja Ravi Varma's artwork. The Jaipur royals, Princess Gauravi Kumari and Sawai Padmanabh Singh, brought personal legacies to the carpet, with Gauravi wearing a gown made from her grandmother's chiffon sari. Sudha Reddy's ensemble, inspired by the Tree of Life from Kalamkari art, and Diya Mehta Jatia's layered look combining West Bengal's Shola craft with Kanjivaram textiles further highlighted the depth of Indian craftsmanship. Overall, the Indian contingent at the gala not only showcased stunning fashion but also conveyed powerful narratives rooted in tradition and memory.