Met Gala 2025: Indian Stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kiara Advani, and More Shine Bright at Fashion’s Grandest Fest

Every year, the Met Gala dazzles the world with its grandeur, fashion, and a celebration of creativity. In 2025, the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art once again turned into a vibrant runway, but this time with a unique narrative — “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” — a tribute to the legacy, influence, and excellence of Black fashion. While global stars stunned in couture, it was the presence of Indian celebrities that added an extra layer of charm and cultural fusion to the evening.

The Met Gala 2025 took place on May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, continuing its legacy as fashion’s most anticipated and influential night. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” marked a significant shift as it focused exclusively on menswear for the first time in over two decades. The dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged guests to reinterpret suiting and menswear, with a particular emphasis on Black dandyism and the historical and cultural influence of Black men in fashion. The exhibition itself explored Black style from the 18th century to the present, offering a rich narrative through the lens of dandyism.

The event was co-chaired by a diverse group of cultural icons, including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and the ever-present Anna Wintour, with LeBron James serving as honorary chair. The red carpet was a spectacle, hosted by Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, and Ego Nwodim, who guided viewers through the evening’s most memorable arrivals and fashion statements.

Among the night’s most talked-about moments was Shah Rukh Khan’s historic debut as the first Indian male actor to walk the Met Gala red carpet. Dressed in a custom Sabyasachi Mukherjee ensemble, Khan’s look featured a floor-length coat in Tasmanian superfine wool, a silk shirt, tailored trousers, and a pleated satin kamarbandh, accessorized with an 18k gold Bengal Tiger Head Cane. Despite admitting to feeling nervous, Khan’s regal presence was widely praised, and a viral moment ensued when foreign media failed to recognize him, prompting a humble self-introduction.

Kiara Advani also made headlines with her bold debut, wearing a Gaurav Gupta couture outfit that celebrated her pregnancy. Her look, titled “Bravehearts,” featured a golden breastplate as a tribute to motherhood and strength, inspired by the legacy of André Leon Talley. Advani’s appearance marked her as the fourth Bollywood actress to grace the Met Gala red carpet and was lauded for its alignment with the evening’s focus on individuality and intention.

Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh made a powerful statement by honoring his heritage in an ivory sherwani-inspired suit designed by Prabal Gurung. His ensemble included a cape embroidered with the map of Punjab and Punjabi alphabets, a traditional turban, kirpan, and a recreation of the iconic Patiala necklace originally made by Cartier for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. Dosanjh’s look was widely celebrated as a proud celebration of his Punjabi roots and Indian culture.

The Met Gala 2025 also saw show-stopping appearances from global stars like Zendaya, Lewis Hamilton, Demi Moore, Rihanna, Diana Ross, and Lauryn Hill, many of whom embraced the tailored menswear theme in creative and innovative ways. Lauryn Hill, for instance, made her Met Gala debut in a sculptural pale-yellow suit with a matching train, further highlighting the event’s commitment to diversity and self-expression.

The Met Gala 2025 hosts delivered several memorable quotes that captured the spirit and excitement of the evening. A$AP Rocky, speaking to reporters on the carpet, shared a personal and joyful moment:

“It feels amazing, you know. It’s time that we show the people what we was cooking up. And I’m glad everybody’s happy for us because we definitely happy, you know,”

reflecting both his anticipation for the event and the announcement that he and Rihanna are expecting their third child.

Teyana Taylor, one of the hosts of Vogue’s livestream, made a style statement with her ensemble and cape embroidered with “Harlem Rose,” referencing her 2018 song. While her exact words on the livestream are not quoted, her look and presence were noted as standout moments, embodying the dandyism and personal storytelling that defined the night.

The overall tone set by the hosts-Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour-centered on celebrating Black style, individuality, and the importance of tailoring, with their comments and fashion choices reinforcing the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”

Shah Rukh Khan: Regal and Refined

Making his Met Gala debut, Shah Rukh Khan arrived like royalty. Draped in a sharply tailored black sherwani-inspired tuxedo with hand-embroidered Zardozi detailing, the Bollywood icon paid homage not only to the event’s theme but also to Indian craftsmanship. His outfit, designed by Indian couturier Manish Malhotra, blended traditional elegance with contemporary flair. With a calm grace and charismatic smile, SRK was the embodiment of sophistication — a true global star.

Kiara Advani: Grace in Gold and Ebony

Kiara Advani returned to the Met steps this year and left an indelible impression. Wearing a sculpted black velvet gown with gilded draping that paid tribute to Black women’s power dressing in the 70s and 80s, Kiara’s look was bold, yet poetic. Her ensemble was a collaborative masterpiece between Indian designer Rahul Mishra and a New York-based stylist, reflecting a seamless blend of cultural aesthetics. With minimal jewelry and a sleek updo, Kiara let her confidence do the talking.

A Global Fashion Moment for Indian Stars

It wasn’t just Shah Rukh and Kiara who made heads turn. Other Indian talents like Radhika Apte, Riz Ahmed, and Alia Bhatt also graced the red carpet, each interpreting the theme with individuality and pride. Radhika’s structured cape gown with afrocentric beadwork, Riz’s crisp suit layered over a traditional Nehru jacket, and Alia’s pleated silk sari-inspired gown — all made powerful fashion statements while aligning with the core essence of the theme: the celebration of Black excellence and tailoring traditions.

Fashion as a Cultural Bridge

What stood out this year was how Indian celebrities didn’t just arrive as attendees — they came as storytellers. They honored the Met Gala theme while also weaving in the rich textures, silhouettes, and philosophies of Indian fashion. The result? A visual dialogue that crossed continents and connected communities.

An Evening of Unity, Style, and Tribute

The 2025 Met Gala was more than just a night of glamour; it was a celebration of identity, artistry, and legacy. Indian celebrities embraced the moment with poise and purpose, proving once again that fashion is not only about looking good — it’s about honoring stories, shaping perspectives, and standing in solidarity.

As the lights dimmed and the last shutter clicked, one thing was clear: India was not just present at the Met Gala — it was unforgettable.

READ MORE: “5 Powerful Moments From WAVES Summit 2025: When Spielberg Recognized Kareena Kapoor From 3 Idiots

The theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” left an unmistakable mark on the Met Gala 2025, setting the tone for an evening that was both visually striking and culturally resonant. By spotlighting Black menswear and dandyism, the event took a refreshing turn, moving away from the typical extravagance of past galas to focus on the artistry, heritage, and influence of Black style.

This year’s dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged guests to reimagine classic tailoring through the lens of Black dandyism-a tradition known for its bold self-expression, flair, and historical significance. The red carpet was a testament to this, with attendees donning everything from impeccably cut tuxedos and vibrant, oversized suits to inventive, gender-fluid ensembles. Accessories played a starring role, too: think statement hats, ornate canes, luxurious overcoats, and eye-catching jewelry, all nodding to the legacy of Black sartorial excellence. Everything to Know About the 2025 Met Gala: Theme, Hosts and More | Vogue

The exhibition itself drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s influential work on Black dandyism, breaking down the aesthetic into themes like Ownership, Presence, Distinction, and Heritage. These ideas were woven into the fabric of the evening, as many guests paid homage to both historic and contemporary Black style icons, while others wore pieces by pioneering Black designers or incorporated elements that challenged conventional ideas about masculinity and class.

Ultimately, the “Superfine” theme transformed the Met Gala into a celebration of Black creativity and cultural pride. The focus on tailored menswear brought an air of sophistication and intention to the event, while also making a broader statement about representation and the global impact of Black fashion. The result was a red carpet filled with not just beautiful clothes, but meaningful stories-reminding everyone that style can be both a personal expression and a powerful act of cultural storytelling.