His ensemble drew inspiration from the artistic works of Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma.

Filmmaker Karan Johar made his debut appearance at the Met Gala in New York, wearing a custom-designed outfit created by fashion designer Manish Malhotra. The appearance marked his first participation in the globally recognised fashion event.

His ensemble drew inspiration from the artistic works of Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. The outfit, titled “Framed in Eternity”, featured a structured vintage-style jacket paired with a long hand-painted cape extending several feet. According to details shared around the design, the outfit was developed over several weeks with the involvement of skilled artisans working on intricate detailing.

Johar completed his look with jewellery pieces from his own brand, Tyani, including a multi-gemstone necklace and rings. The styling aligned with this year’s Met Gala theme focused on “costume art”, with the dress code emphasising fashion as a form of artistic expression. The event took place in New York and brought together prominent figures from global entertainment and fashion industries.

During his appearance, Johar spoke about drawing creative influence from Indian artistic heritage and emphasised personal expression through design. He also highlighted the connection between visual storytelling in cinema and traditional painting styles, referencing Raja Ravi Varma’s influence on his creative sensibilities.

The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event hosted by the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Johar’s participation was noted as part of the growing presence of Indian personalities on international fashion platforms in recent years.