If you were scrolling through Instagram on the morning of May 5, 2025, you probably saw her. Isha Ambani. Standing on those iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art steps, draped in what looked like a literal mountain of history. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how she manages to make everyone else look like they’re just playing dress-up.
This wasn't just another wealthy person in a pretty dress.
The 2025 Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, was a tricky one. It was all about dandyism, precision, and the way fashion has been used as a tool for identity. While many guests played it safe with basic tuxedos, Isha took a massive swing. She didn't just show up; she brought 20,000 hours of manual labor and a $150 million necklace with her.
The Anamika Khanna Masterpiece
Basically, Isha teamed up with designer Anamika Khanna and stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania to create something they called a "sartorial narrative."
It was a three-piece situation.
First, you had this structured white corset that was basically a canvas for geometric embroidery. Then, she paired it with sleek, sharply tailored black trousers. But the real "wow" factor? The white floor-grazing cape. This thing was a beast. It featured a handwoven Benarasi train sourced through Swadesh, which is a Reliance initiative that supports traditional Indian weavers.
Think about that for a second. 20,000 hours.
If one person worked on that outfit 24/7, it would take them over two years to finish. The level of Zardozi work, pearl embellishments, and gold threadwork was staggering. It wasn't just "expensive." It was a flex of cultural muscle. Anamika Khanna is known for blending masculine and feminine energy, and this look nailed that dandy aesthetic perfectly.
Breaking Down the Details
- The Fabric: Handwoven checkered textile commissioned specifically for the event.
- The Embroidery: Intricate infinity symbols made of pearls and gold thread.
- The Silhouette: A mix of a tailored jacket and a dramatic royal train.
- The Hidden Bits: Diamond buttons running down the back of the coat.
That $150 Million Necklace (Yes, Really)
Okay, let’s talk about the jewelry. Because, let’s be real, that’s what everyone was actually staring at.
Isha wore the Nawanagar Necklace. If that name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen Ocean’s 8. In the movie, Anne Hathaway’s character wears a replica of this exact piece—the Toussaint necklace. But while the movie version was made of zirconium, Isha’s was the real deal.
This piece originally belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar in 1931. It features a cushion-cut diamond weighing 80.73 carats. The whole thing? Over 480 carats of diamonds. It’s essentially a brick of light hanging from her neck.
Isha actually told jewelry influencer Julia Chafe that the necklace belongs to her mother, Nita Ambani. It’s a family heirloom that basically serves as a bridge between the princely states of India’s past and the global business empire of its present. She also tucked a diamond kalgi (a traditional turban ornament) onto her hip as a waist brooch.
It was a lot. But somehow, it worked.
Why This Look Matters More Than You Think
Most people see the Met Gala as a playground for the 1%. And yeah, it sort of is. But for Isha Ambani, these appearances have become a way to export Indian craftsmanship to the world stage.
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In 2024, she wore that floral Rahul Mishra gown that took 10,000 hours. This year, she doubled the labor. By choosing designers like Anamika Khanna and using textiles from Swadesh, she’s essentially forcing the global fashion elite to acknowledge that "luxury" isn't just something that comes out of Paris or Milan.
It’s about "cultural continuity."
She wasn't just following a dress code. She was interpreting Black Dandyism through an Indian lens. The dandy style is about precision, pride, and using clothes to command respect. By combining the sharp lines of Western tailoring with the ornate weight of Indian heritage, she managed to hit the theme in a way that felt authentic rather than "costumey."
The "Indian Invasion" at the 2025 Met Gala
Isha wasn't the only one representing. 2025 felt like a massive year for Indian talent in NYC.
- Shah Rukh Khan: Finally made his debut in custom Sabyasachi.
- Kiara Advani: Showed off a baby bump in a look that had everyone talking.
- Diljit Dosanjh: Brought some serious Punjabi flair to the red carpet.
- Natasha Poonawalla: Went full avant-garde with Manish Malhotra.
Even with all that star power, Isha’s look felt like the anchor of the group. Maybe it’s the sheer scale of the Ambani influence, or maybe it’s just that you can’t ignore a woman wearing a hundred million dollars worth of history.
Practical Takeaways for Your Own Wardrobe
You probably aren't going to commission a 20,000-hour cape for your next wedding. However, there are a few things you can learn from the Isha Ambani Met Gala 2025 look that actually apply to normal life.
First, don't be afraid of the "Masculine-Feminine" mix. Pairing a soft, embroidered corset with sharp, masculine trousers is a timeless move. It creates a balance that is both powerful and elegant.
Second, accessories are the story. Isha kept her makeup minimal—brown smoky eyes and nude lips—to let the jewels do the talking. If you're wearing a statement piece, let it be the star. Don't crowd it with heavy glam.
Lastly, invest in craftsmanship. Whether it’s a hand-painted scarf or a piece of local jewelry, items with a "story" always look better than fast fashion.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of high-fashion textiles, start by looking into the Swadesh initiative. It’s a great way to see how traditional Indian weaves are being modernized for 2026 and beyond. You can also track the work of Anamika Khanna, who continues to be the "designer's designer" when it comes to pushing boundaries.
The 2025 Met Gala proved that Isha Ambani isn't just a guest anymore. She’s a curator. And honestly? We’re just living in her world.
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Next Steps:
If you're interested in the technical side of this look, you can research the Zardozi embroidery technique to understand how those 20,000 hours were spent. You might also want to look up the history of the Cartier Toussaint to see how the Nawanagar necklace changed the world of jewelry design.