Manish Malhotra honours his artisans by stitching their names on cape at Met Gala 2026

At Met Gala 2026, Indian fashion designer, Manish Malhotra has stitched the names of the artisans on cape to honour the hard work and talent of the people behind his brand. The look was a mix of local pride and culturally rooted Mumbai-inspired elements.

Malhotra returned to the Met Gala for his second outing, dressed in a heavily embroidered black bandhgala layered with an architectural cape. The cape with white embroidery featuring the names of artisans along with several Mumbai-inspired elements.

Malhotra shared his look on instagram by writing a caption of his look, ”There is nothing like a classic Indian bandhgala.” In his second outing, he wanted to make something personal where he can show the city that has shaped his journey, “I wanted to create something deeply personal- a reflection of Mumbai, the city that has shaped my journey, my cinema, and my sense of design.” he states.

He also shared that his look was layered with an architectural cape which took 960 hours by more than 50 artisans from Mumbai and Delhi and considered this look by quoting, ”For me, this is more than a garment- it is a story of craft, memory, and collaboration.”

Dori, zardozi, chikankari, and Kasan embroidery were used to make the dress, he mentioned.

 Names and signatures of the artisans are stitched on cape, ”Woven into the piece are the names and signatures of the artisans themselves- a tribute to every hand and every moment that shaped it,”, he wrote.

“Intricate hand-embroidery serves as references to Mumbai's cinematic landmarks,” he added.

For him this look is a celebration and reminder of where he comes from and how Indian craftsmanship continues to find its place on a global stage.

Malhotra also dressed his friend and filmmaker Karan Johar for the Met Gala 2026. For him, he created a regal ensemble inspired by the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.