Fashion designer Manish Malhotra used his appearance at the Met Gala 2026 to highlight the contribution of artisans who work behind the scenes in the fashion industry. Speaking to CNN on the red carpet, Malhotra shifted the focus from his outfit to the people who helped create it.
“These are all my artisans. Look at them, they are tailoring. This is the design team. I think on a carpet like this, which is so grand and the best, you need to honour all the people who work backstage. Because they are really important. They are the showstoppers,” he said.
Malhotra’s ensemble for the evening reflected this sentiment. He wore a black bandhgala paired with a structured velvet cape that stood out for its detailed craftsmanship. The outfit reportedly took more than 960 hours to complete and involved the efforts of over 50 artisans, underscoring the scale of work that goes into couture creations.
The cape served as the focal point of the look, combining several traditional Indian embroidery techniques such as dori, zardozi, chikankari and kasab. The design featured intricate white-on-black embroidery, which drew inspiration from the visual and cultural landscape of Mumbai. The detailing unfolded like a narrative, adding depth to the overall presentation.
What made the outfit more personal was the inclusion of the artisans themselves in its design. Malhotra incorporated the names and signatures of the craftsmen directly into the embroidery, turning the garment into a tribute to their work. This approach highlighted the collaborative nature of fashion, where multiple hands and skills contribute to the final creation.
Over the years, Manish Malhotra has been known for blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. His Met Gala appearance continued that approach, while also drawing attention to the people often not seen on global platforms.
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