Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra wore an ensemble honoring his artisans during the 2026 Met Gala in New York City.
The appearance marks a significant moment for Indian couture on a global stage, shifting the spotlight from the designer to the craftsmen who execute the work. By centering the identity of the laborers, Malhotra used the high-profile event to elevate the visibility of traditional Indian craftsmanship.
Malhotra attended the event on the first Monday in May [3] at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His attire consisted of a bandhgala paired with an embroidered cape. This cape was printed with the names of the karigars, or artisans, who comprise his professional circle, whom he described as his work family [1].
Complementing the tribute to craftsmanship was a piece of high jewelry. Malhotra wore a tanzanite necklace valued at $15 million [2]. The necklace featured a gemstone weighing 550 carats [2].
The ensemble served as a deliberate effort to bring Indian art and the people behind it to the international community [5]. While the event is known for opulent displays, the inclusion of the artisans' names added a layer of social recognition to the luxury of the garment.
Malhotra's presence at the event continued his engagement with the gala's platform to showcase the intersection of modern fashion and ancestral skill. The use of the cape as a canvas for names transformed the garment into a living record of the workforce that sustains the Indian fashion industry.
“The cape was printed with the names of the karigars, or artisans, who comprise his professional circle.”
This gesture reflects a growing trend in the luxury fashion sector to acknowledge the 'invisible' labor of artisans. By integrating the names of karigars into a Met Gala look, Malhotra challenges the traditional hierarchy of haute couture, where the designer typically receives sole credit for the final product, and instead frames the creation of luxury goods as a collective effort.
