Isha Ambani, Director at Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., once again affirmed her status as a global fashion force at the 2025 Met Gala. Dressed in a meticulously tailored outfit by celebrated Indian designer Anamika Khanna, Ambani walked the red carpet in a creation that seamlessly bridged traditional Indian craftsmanship with the elegance of Western tailoring.
Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the ensemble was a dramatic fusion of form and heritage. A finely embroidered white corset paired with sharply cut black trousers laid the foundation of the look, complemented by a white jacket adorned with diamond buttons down the back. The jacket’s structured silhouette was offset by intricate gold threadwork and pearls, offering an interplay of power and artistry that resonated with the event’s theme, “Tailored for You.”
One of the most captivating aspects of Ambani’s look was its deeply personal and artisanal narrative. The textile used was handwoven and sourced from Swadesh, a Reliance initiative that promotes traditional handlooms. It was then transformed by Khanna’s atelier through a labor-intensive embroidery process that spanned over 20,000 hours. The final outfit included a Benarasi train, pearl detailing, and Zardozi embellishments, all referencing centuries of Indian textile legacy.
Detailing of the Dress
Drawing from the Met Gala’s overarching exploration of Black Dandyism and tailoring traditions, Khanna’s design also embraced African influences. The corset featured geometric motifs, nodding to global craftsmanship, while the jacket’s crisp tailoring paid homage to vintage sophistication.
Jewellery played a central role in amplifying the grandeur of Ambani’s presence. Her show-stopping necklace — originally designed for the Maharaja of Nawanagar and reminiscent of the Cartier Toussaint necklace became the subject of widespread fascination online. Notably, the piece was recreated for the film Ocean’s 8, although Ambani’s version featured real diamonds and came from her mother Nita Ambani’s private collection. A matching brooch, oversized diamond rings, and a pearl-studded hair accessory completed the luxurious ensemble.
In keeping with the dandy aesthetic, Ambani added a white hat, enhancing the overall drama of her look. She styled her hair into a sleek braid, pinned with a peacock-shaped clip a quiet yet regal nod to Indian symbolism. Her makeup was intentionally understated: soft bronzing, a brown smoky eye, and neutral lips ensured that the outfit remained the main attraction.
Isha Ambani’s Previous Met Gala Couture
Ambani’s Met Gala appearances have always leaned into storytelling through fashion. In 2024, she wore a sustainable floral sari gown by Rahul Mishra, constructed using archived motifs like butterflies and dragonflies with traditional embroidery techniques such as Zardozi, Nakshi, and French knots. The look was a poignant message about climate change and regeneration. In 2023, she made headlines for donning a saree-inspired gown by Prabal Gurung.
At this year’s event, she was accompanied by a growing Indian presence at the Gala, including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Kiara Advani, Diljit Dosanjh, and fashion luminaries Mona Patel and Natasha Poonawalla.
Social media exploded with admiration for Ambani’s ensemble. While users called her “iconic” and “breathtaking,” others speculated about her jewellery, asking, “Where is that necklace from?” A flood of reactions praised her attention to detail, with one comment simply reading, “She is class apart.” Even Alia Bhatt chimed in, commenting, “Unreal.”
By blending a structured silhouette with handcrafted Indian elements and historical jewellery, Isha Ambani’s 2025 Met Gala appearance wasn’t just a red carpet moment it was a statement of cultural continuity, personal heritage, and elevated fashion.
