Isha Ambani’s Met Gala look is a love letter to Indian textile legacy

Businesswoman and cultural tastemaker Isha Ambani turned heads at the 2025 Met Gala, making a powerful style statement in a custom creation by acclaimed Indian designer Anamika Khanna.Staying true to the theme of the evening, where heritage met high fashion, Isha’s look, styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, was a celebration of Indian craftsmanship reimagined through a global lens.

The ensemble, envisioned as a fusion of tailored opulence, married the sharp sophistication of Western silhouettes with the lush artistry of Indian textile traditions. The sleek pant-style outfit featured a sharply structured waistcoat and a flowing train crafted from handwoven Benarasi fabrics, developed in collaboration with Swadeshi artisans.

At the heart of the design was intricate 3D embroidery rendered in time-honoured Zardozi techniques. Bow motifs referencing the classic menswear bowtie were hand-cut and meticulously sewn into the jacket, while vintage floral patterns softened the sharp lines with a romantic flourish.

Crafted over 15,000 hours at Anamika Khanna’s atelier, the ensemble was a masterclass in modern heritage. From pearl tassels to whimsical bird-shaped accessories, every detail embodied a playful charm. A standout touch was a vintage solitaire necklace from Nita Ambani’s personal archive, an homage to the Maharaja of Nawanagar, adding a regal nod to the past.

Blending grandeur with gravitas, Isha Ambani’s Met Gala appearance stood out not only for its elegance but also for its meaningful tribute to Indian artisanal legacy on one of fashion’s biggest nights.