Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has become nothing less than a cultural force at the Met Gala, blending Indian tradition with global haute couture in ways that feel both timeless and modern. Sabyasachi finds a way, without making it forced, to weave India’s rich heritage into the Met Gala’s various themes.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala debut is just another example.
In sync with this year’s theme, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ SRK wore a Sabyasachi ensemble that portrays two traditions that reimagined tailoring—Black and Indian dandyism.
Shah Rukh’s all black look included a black crepe de Chine silk shirt, tailored trousers, and a pleated satin kamarbandh around the waist. The actor layered it with a single-breasted tailcoat, in Tasmanian superfine wool. The outfit was a blend of Indian ethnic menswear and colonial-era tailoring. The sculptured silhouette with padded shoulders and wide lapel collars also sported monogrammed Japanese horn buttons.
Stacked jewellery — reminiscent of Indian maharajas — was a bonus.
The deep neckline of the silk shirt was the perfect canvas for statement jewels, including a pearl chain, a choker, heirloom motifs, an SRK locket, and a diamond encrustred ‘K’ (representing King Khan) pendant. His fingers were also stacked with rings.
Elevating the grandeur of his look, Shah Rukh carried a ‘Bengal Tiger Head Cane’ crafted in 18k gold with sapphires, old mine cut, tourmalines and diamonds.
Mukherjee’s fashion genius lies in his ability to root even the most modern concepts like ‘superfine tailoring’ in Indian identity.
His creations whisper stories, stitched in kantha, drenched in craftsmanship and embroidered with history.
The jewellery too — unapologetically maximalist — represents a culture that was always synonymous with opulence, way before it became a global trend.
Also read: ‘SRK yes, outfit no’—how fans are reacting to Shah Rukh Khan’s look at Met Gala 2025
Stunning legacy
It wasn’t Mukherjee’s first gala. Last year, he dressed Alia Bhatt in an ethereal saree that hit all the right notes.
The theme of the Met Gala 2024 was Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, and the dress code was inspired and named after JG Ballard’s short story, The Garden of Time. And, Mukherjee didn’t miss the chance to put India’s love for the saree at the forefront.
Bhatt’s handcrafted custom mint green saree was teamed with a jewel-encrusted blouse and a 23-foot-long train. It was adorned with floral detailing hand-embroidered using silk floss, semi-precious stones and glass beading.
The design wasn’t just in sync with the garden mentioned in Ballard’s story but also a tribute to the enduring craft of saree-making in India.
A team of 163 people, including craftsmen, embroiderers and dyers, worked on Bhatt’s 2024 Met Gala outfit for 1965 hours.
The bejewelled blouse was an homage to the rich heritage of Indian jewellery. Mukherjee incorporated precious emeralds, tourmalines, multi-coloured sapphires and Basra pearls.
In a sea of floral costumes and couture, Mukherjee didn’t just follow trends — he managed to filter it through the lens of Indian culture, turning centuries of tradition into a global conversation piece.
Notably, Bhatt’s mint-green ensemble wasn’t the first time he had put the glamour of the saree on the global level.
Socialite and businesswoman Natasha Poonawalla was also a muse for Sabyasachi at the Met Gala 2022.
For the theme, ‘In America: An Anthology of Fashion’, Poonawalla wore a handcrafted gold tulle Sabyasachi saree, which she paired with a handmade metal bustier from Schiaparelli.
Mukherjee interpreted the dress code of ‘gilded glamour’ through an Indian gaze. And, the result was a gold printed tulle saree with the pallu doubling up as a train.
The designer makes no compromises on accessories. Jewels are included wherever possible.
Poonawalla’s saree also featured hand-embroidery along with silk floss, semi-precious stones, crystal and sequin detailing which was secured in printed velvet.
Her accessories were picked from Sabyasachi Fine Jewellery and limited edition collectables from Sabyasachi’s Curiosity Art & Antiquity Project.
It consisted of layered bangles, chunky rings, and dramatic heft of headband-cum-earrings — all nod to India’s traditional craft techniques with precious and semi-precious stones.
Also read: Mother Priyanka, King Diljit, meh Kiara—Indian Met Gala looks get Internet’s verdict
Dressing himself
Sabyasachi was the first Indian fashion designer to walk the Met Gala 2024.
He returned to the annual fashion extravaganza this year and delivered yet another moment with his relaxed fit.
Simple and comfortable silhouettes have been Sabyasachi’s go-to for the red carpet event. Last year, he wore an embroidered cotton duster coat from the Sabyasachi Resort 2024 collection. This time, he opted for a black and white fit. Sticking to the ‘tailored’ theme, his fashion outing resembled his Met Gala muse Shah Rukh Khan.
The black trouser with a kamarband was a similar element in both their looks.
Sabyasachi had just replaced SRK’s black silk shirt with a white one. He layered his ensemble with an ivory quilted overcoat with bold lapels.
He finished off the look with a velvet turban adorned with a jewelled plume, a choker, two heavy pendants and encrusted chains.
At a platform that thrives on ever-changing global trends, Mukherjee doesn’t bend. He elevates.
Whether it’s Natasha Poonawalla’s golden saree-meets-armour moment, Alia Bhatt’s jewel-encrusted floral saree, Shah Rukh Khan’s regal Bengal Tiger ensemble or his own silhouettes, the designer’s message is consistent: India is not just relevant, it’s regal.
He doesn’t dilute culture to make it global. He interprets the global trends by standing firm in Indian aesthetics.
At the Met Gala, Sabyasachi is showcasing India to the world.
Views are personal.
Sabyasachi is the only Indian designer to be counted amongst the world’s best. He has consistently delivered on expectations. No wonder the world just cannot have enough of him.