Exclusive: Alia Bhatt’s Met Gala Ensemble
A Spectacle of Craftsmanship and Elegance
Alia Bhatt graced the Met Gala red carpet for the second time, captivating onlookers with a meticulously crafted Sabyasachi sari adorned with real gemstones. In a realm where daring fashion statements reign supreme, Bhatt embraced the opportunity to dazzle with sophistication and cultural homage, elevating her ensemble to new heights of opulence and artistry.
While her debut at the prestigious event last year saw her donning a Prabal Gurung gown, this year, Bhatt drew inspiration from her Indian heritage. Draped in a custom-designed mint-green sari by renowned Indian couturier Sabyasachi, she radiated elegance from every angle. The sari, intricately detailed with hand-embroidered florals using silk floss, glass beading, and semi-precious gemstones, boasted a breathtaking 23-foot-long train, a nod to this year’s Met Gala theme, “The Garden of Time,” inspired by J.G. Ballard’s short story.
Collaborating with her longtime stylist, Anaita Shroff Adajania, Bhatt seamlessly merged tradition with avant-garde aesthetics to embody the essence of the theme. The sari’s ethereal design, resembling translucent glass, mirrored the fantastical narrative of Count Axel and his wife in Ballard’s story, evoking a sense of whimsy and enchantment.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee, renowned for his fusion of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary allure, crafted a masterpiece that epitomized Indian artistry and elegance. With meticulous attention to detail, a team of 163 artisans dedicated over 1965 hours to handcraft the exquisite sari, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through intricate embroidery and embellishments.
In addition to the resplendent sari, Sabyasachi created a bejeweled bralette adorned with precious emeralds, Basra pearls, tourmalines, and multi-colored sapphires, paying homage to India’s illustrious tradition of jewelry craftsmanship.
Bhatt’s ensemble exuded opulence down to the last detail, with her hair adorned in gemstone ropes and accessorized with shoulder-grazing earrings featuring tourmalines and diamonds, along with a collection of cocktail rings from Sabyasachi Accessories.
Reflecting on her bold fashion statement, Bhatt expressed admiration for the audacity of merging tradition with modernity, with Sabyasachi’s creation perfectly encapsulating the essence of the Met Gala theme. Sabyasachi himself, honored to showcase the quintessential Indian garment, the sari, on a global stage, emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage through his creations.
As Bhatt gracefully ascended the Met Gala staircase, she not only epitomized elegance and grace but also celebrated the timeless allure of Indian craftsmanship and tradition, leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.
