Natasha Poonawalla Stuns in Heritage-Inspired Met Gala Look
Heritage reimagined as Natasha Poonawalla mixes vintage Gara with modern couture, Met Gala.
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 with an ensemble that perfectly fused Indian heritage with contemporary couture. Crafted by the celebrated designer Manish Malhotra, the look featured vintage Gara sarees, sculpted pearl corsetry, and an uninterrupted ektaar embroidery that together wove a narrative of elegance, defiance, and cultural storytelling.
A Fusion Of Heritage And Modern Couture
Natasha’s outfit was far more than just a dress – it was a statement. The vintage Gara sarees, repurposed into a striking fishtail silhouette, paid homage to timeless craftsmanship while being reinvented through modern tailoring. The sculpted pearl corsetry added a regal, structured element to the ensemble, and the ektaar embroidery, executed with a single, unbroken thread, symbolized unity and continuity. Each detail was meticulously curated, reflecting the rich heritage of Indian textiles and the bold spirit of modern design.
The creative direction, led by Anaita Shroff Adajania in collaboration with Lakshmi Lehra, elevated the entire presentation. Every element—from the delicately crafted collar by Atelier Biser to the artful makeup by Savleen Manchanda and the precise hair styling by Akki Shirakawa—contributed to a look that seamlessly balanced tradition with the urban edge of today’s couture. The production team, credited to 2bmanagement along with the lens of photographer Luigiandiango, ensured that every intricate detail of the aesthetic was captured for an audience that appreciates artistry and innovation.
Elegance, Defiance, And Storytelling
The ensemble is a testament to the power of design to narrate a story. Natasha’s appearance was not just about looking glamorous; it was about making a statement. The integration of archival fabrics and hand-stitched techniques with contemporary cuts redefined what it means to honor one’s roots in the modern age. In an era where fashion is increasingly used as a medium for personal and cultural expression, Natasha’s look was both a nod to the past and a declaration of a forward-thinking style philosophy.
Manish Malhotra, known for blending tradition with modernity throughout his illustrious career, explained the sentiment behind the creation. He remarked, “For Natasha and me, fashion has always meant carrying something deeper; our roots, our memories, the art that’s shaped us. The Gara has always held a very special place in my heart, and Natasha wanted to honour that legacy with pride and meaning. There was so much trust, so much instinct. We reimagined heritage in a way that felt personal and powerful, letting our ideas flow into each other. That’s when fashion becomes something more… something that tells a story.” This declaration underscores how deeply personal and culturally resonant the design was, marking the look not only as an aesthetic triumph but also as an emblem of identity and belonging.
The styling also embraced the theme of Black Dandyism—a reinterpretation of classic dandy culture imbued with Indian sensibilities. The sharply tailored black Gara jacket, accentuated with bold shoulder lines and lined in imperial purple, added an aristocratic flair, while the contrasting scalloped details and sculptural lace cravat delivered a theatrical punch. It was a look where restraint met regality, and each crafted detail spoke volumes about heritage, defiance, and the evolution of style.
The ensemble’s layered narrative resonated with both fashion critics and enthusiasts alike. Natasha Poonawalla’s ability to channel her Parsi ancestry and elevate it with modern sophistication solidified her status as a global style icon. With every meticulously placed stitch and carefully chosen accessory, the look celebrated not only the craft of couture but the timeless traditions that continue to inspire today’s fashion scene.
In a career marked by bold choices and striking visuals, Natasha’s Met Gala appearance stands out as a milestone. The creative collaboration between Natasha, Manish Malhotra, and the extensive team of stylists reiterates that fashion is as much about storytelling as it is about aesthetics. The look, infused with layers of cultural symbolism and contemporary artistry, serves as a reminder that heritage, when woven into modern design, can create moments that are both visually arresting and steeped in meaning.
With this appearance, Natasha Poonawalla has once again set the bar high for red-carpet style. Her transformative look at Met Gala 2025 is a celebration of cultural pride and innovative design—a masterpiece that continues to inspire discussions about the role of heritage in today’s fashion landscape.
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