Indian businesswoman Isha Ambani delivered a powerful ode to India’s rich textile legacy with her pre-Met Gala appearances, turning the spotlight on centuries-old craftsmanship through two intricately designed looks.
Her first ensemble, created in collaboration with Manish Malhotra and artisans from Swadesh, was a remarkable tribute to regional textile traditions. Drawing from the Tilla embroidery of Jammu & Kashmir to the iconic Paithani weaves of Maharashtra, the outfit was constructed using 26 distinct borders, each representing a different facet of Indian embroidery heritage.
The creation required an impressive 450 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting the dedication and expertise of Indian artisans. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the look was completed with a statement braided hairstyle adorned with shimmering jewels, reminiscent of the traditional South Indian Jada Billai, adding a regal and culturally layered finish.
In her second look, Ambani embraced a more sculptural interpretation of Indian attire, wearing custom couture by Gaurav Gupta. Reimagining the saree as a living canvas, the ensemble featured hand-painted Pichwai-inspired motifs combined with intricate embroidery, creating a seamless blend of art and fashion.
Woven with threads of pure gold by Swadesh artisans, the piece exemplified how heritage textiles can be reinterpreted through a contemporary design lens. The structured drape and fluid form highlighted Gupta’s signature aesthetic, positioning the saree not just as traditional attire but as a statement of global haute couture.
Adding an artistic edge to the look, Ambani carried a sculptural mango by renowned artist Subodh Gupta, a symbolic accessory that reinforced the theme of fashion as art.
Together, the two ensembles made a compelling case for Indian textiles and silhouettes on the world stage. By weaving together diverse regional techniques and modern design sensibilities, Isha Ambani’s pre-Met Gala appearances celebrated the enduring relevance of the saree and showcased Indian craftsmanship as both heritage and high art.
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