SPOTTING INDIA AT MET GALA

Wait, did only four designers—Sabyasachi, Gaurav Gupta, Tarun Tahiliani, and Rahul Mishra—represent India's magnificent craftsmanship at this year’s MET GALA?

Although there is a short list of official representation of Indian craftsmanship, there exists a long list that wasn’t disclosed. Iris Van Herman's show-stopping costume was intricately hand-embroidered by skilled artisans from the heart of India! Guess what! A-listers like Gigi Hadid, Janelle Monte, Kris Jenner, Rebecca Ferguson, Kerry Washington, Cristine Brauchamp, Jenifer Lopez, Keke Palmer, Jayden Smith, Nelly Korda, Awkwafina, Hari Nef, and Dua Lipa were all decked out in beautiful Indian embroidery.

India has been a major source of surface embellishment for the MET since years. At the same time the craftsmanship of many ensembles at the MET (including the ones listed) is still not public. Behind every luxury designer tag lies the sweat and toil of both designers and Indian artisans, who pour their heart and soul into every stitch. From the bustling streets of India to the high-end runways of Schiaparelli, the age-old Indian legacy of artisanship and couture knows no bounds!

I recall showing some of his own creations shot in a perfect Italian landscape, to my Embroidery Master. The simple advertising photoshoot brightened his day and validated his contribution. Imagine what happens when artisans who spend over 450 hours a month on their addas (embroidery frame) are recognised and told what the MET GALA representation signifies. Most of them don’t even know the value of their embroidered fabrics and the recognition it attracts.

We all rank the MET outfit, let's also recognise and celebrate the craftsmanship of these artists. India contributes a solid back of couture embroideries and surface ornamentation to the archives of the global fashion, that goes well beyond what is documented and discussed.

So here's to celebrating the true stars of the MET GALA—the artisans of couture!

P.S: I love the magic of ai.