The Met Gala this year arrived dressed as something more thoughtful: Costume as Art. From endangered shola craft to Raja Ravi Varma paintings, inspiration was plentiful for desis, who turned up in their couture best, with some choosing to highlight Indian craftsmanship and artistry.
The mood around it had a sharper edge. Outside the museum, there were protests aimed squarely at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez stepping in as honorary co-chairs alongside Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Beyoncé.
Inside, it was business as usual, just on a slightly higher setting.
The Price of Admission
| Aspect | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket | $75,000 | $100,000 |
| Table Price | – | $350,000+ |
The Met Gala has always been expensive, but 2026 pushed it into a different bracket altogether. A single ticket hit **100,000∗∗,upfrom75,000 last year. Tables started at $350,000, which is where brands step in, buy their way in, and then decide who gets to sit where.
The Theme: Costume as Art
The Costume Institute’s spring exhibition theme, Costume as Art, framed clothing as creative expression worthy of gallery walls. The red carpet, in turn, became a living exhibition of that idea.
Desi Highlights: Indian Craftsmanship on Display
| Inspiration | Details |
|---|---|
| Endangered Shola Craft | Traditional Bengali craft featured in desi looks |
| Raja Ravi Varma Paintings | Iconic Indian art inspiring couture designs |
| Indian Craftsmanship | Handloom, embroidery, and traditional techniques highlighted |
Desi stars turned up in their couture best, with several choosing to highlight Indian craftsmanship and artistry. From endangered shola craft to Raja Ravi Varma paintings, the inspiration was plentiful and authentically Indian.
The Protest
Outside the museum, there was a line of flashbulbs on one side, a line of placards on the other, both equally determined to be seen. The protests were aimed squarely at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez stepping in as honorary co-chairs.
