Natasha Poonawalla Redefines Black Dandyism At Met Gala
Custom couture in vintage Gara sarees and pearlwork: heritage meets bold, modern artistry.
Jehangir Irroni is a filmmaker and creative director with over 18 years of experience in directing ad films, corporate videos, web series, and television shows. As assistant vice president - Videos at IncNut Digital, Jehangir is involved in producing and directing videos and infomercials.
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At the Met Gala 2025, the Indian Empress of Style, Natasha Poonawalla, turned heads as she redefined Black Dandyism with a look that was nothing short of a sartorial masterpiece. Wearing a custom couture ensemble that masterfully fused traditional Indian design with a fiercely modern sensibility, Natasha clearly demonstrated how heritage and innovation can coexist on one global stage.
A New Era In Couture
Natasha’s show-stopping look was anchored in vintage Gara sarees, reimagined into a sculpted fishtail skirt and paired with intricately detailed pearlwork. The ensemble featured a sharply tailored black Gara jacket with bold shoulder accents and imperial purple lining—a nod to regal mystique. The jacket, embroidered with the sacred ektaar technique, carried a continuous narrative of craftsmanship that resonated with the event’s theme of Black Dandyism. Adding a touch of theatricality was a sculptural lace cravat crafted by Atelier Biser, which elevated the look from merely stylish to a statement steeped in cultural legacy.
Heritage Meets Modern Flair
The creative direction behind this transformative ensemble was a collaboration between industry veterans Anaita Shroff Adajania and Lakshmi Lehri, whose styling insights helped bridge centuries-old Indian heritage with contemporary silhouettes. With meticulous detailing—sculpted tailoring, intricate pearl accents, and a fusion of textures—the look echoed Natasha’s personal style and her Parsi ancestry. The artistically designed piece serves not only as a fashion statement but as an emblem of self-expression and identity, reasserting her status as a modern-day cultural force.
Natasha’s choice to reinterpret elements of Black Dandyism, traditionally associated with a rebellious yet refined style, using the language of Indian couture, has garnered widespread acclaim from fashion critics and enthusiasts alike. Her ensemble’s distinctive blend of old and new, derived from handcrafted techniques and vintage materials, resonates deeply with audiences that appreciate the timeless art of Indian embroidery.
Behind The Design
Further accentuating the impact of the look was the impeccable attention to detail in every accessory. The production team, under the expert photography of Luigiandiango and the flawless execution in styling, hair (by Akki Shirakawa), make-up (by Savleen Manchanda), and nails (by She Nails It), ensured that every component of the outfit contributed to a cohesive narrative of sophisticated modernity intertwined with cultural pride.
Designer Manish Malhotra, whose name has become synonymous with opulent couture, plays a pivotal role in shaping such transformative looks. With a storied career spanning decades, Malhotra’s vision has consistently merged the legacies of Indian artistry with contemporary trends. His approach to design redefines traditional motifs and techniques for a global audience, a strategy that is evident in Natasha’s ensemble. In fact, the look marked yet another milestone in his repertoire, reinforcing his commitment to celebrating excellence in Indian fashion and craftsmanship.
In an environment where every detail matters, Natasha’s appearance was a masterclass in storytelling through fashion. The look—deemed couture as language—operated on multiple registers: as an homage to heritage, a statement of individual identity, and an embodiment of modern sophistication. The vintage elements, reengineered with contemporary flair, highlight a creative trend where designers are not merely revisiting the past but are actively reinterpreting it to suit current cultural narratives.
Cultural Impact And Reception
As the evening unfolded at the iconic Met Costume Institute, conversations sparked among fashion enthusiasts who marveled at the seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Social media lit up with images and commentaries celebrating Natasha’s ability to merge Indian traditional aesthetics with the edgy vibes of Black Dandyism. Several related posts from the gala showcased other creative interpretations by renowned artists like Coco Jones, yet Natasha’s look stood out for its precision, narrative strength, and refined execution.
Critics have noted that the ensemble is a testament to how fashion can act as a bridge between various epochs, merging the old-world charm of hand-embroidered relics with a forward-thinking, modern approach. This integration of past and present not only honors tradition but also redefines luxury and identity for today’s discerning global audience.
The event was not just a celebration of fashion but a moment of cultural dialogue. Natasha Poonawalla’s appearance served as an allegory for the evolving landscape of style—one that respects its roots while daring to push boundaries. By reimagining the elements of Black Dandyism through an Indian lens, she has set a benchmark for future runway narratives and expanded the discourse on diversity in high fashion.
Natasha’s transformative look at the Met Gala 2025 thus encapsulates the fusion of heritage and modernity, where each stitch and embellishment speaks to a legacy that is as personal as it is universal. Her bold choice to embrace design elements that honor her ancestry while looking decisively forward cements her role as a true style icon on the global stage.
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