Kiara Advani's Met Gala 2025 debut: A glorious celebration of motherhood and couture

Kiara Advani made her much-anticipated debut at the Met Gala 2025, and she didn’t just arrive, she made a statement. Gliding onto fashion’s most photographed carpet in a sculptural black-and-white gown by Gaurav Gupta, the actress embodied poise, strength, and quiet glamour. With her baby bump gently cradled by the dramatic curves of couture, Kiara joined the pantheon of Indian stars bringing homegrown talent to the global stage, all while embracing one of the most intimate and beautiful chapters of her life.

A first-time attendee, Kiara’s presence at the Met Gala was powerfully symbolic. She is expecting her first child with husband and actor Sidharth Malhotra, and this red carpet moment became more than just a style outing, it was a graceful intersection of motherhood and modern fashion. Clad in a monochrome custom creation, the gown was classic Gaurav Gupta: structured, expressive, and architectural in form. The sculpted bodice and fluid train paid homage to the label’s signature maximalism, yet carried a softness that felt deeply personal.

But what elevated the look beyond the realm of the visual was the story behind it. Fashion insider page Diet Sabya offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of this special ensemble. In an intimate video shared on Instagram, Kiara is seen walking us through her fittings, playing with fabric forms, finalising hair decisions, and discussing the event’s deeper meaning with designer Gaurav Gupta and her trusted stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania. There was a palpable energy, a quiet buzz - as she rehearsed her look, embodying both anticipation and excitement for her Met debut.

Gaurav, known for blending futurism with Indian craftsmanship, guided Kiara through the interpretation of this year’s theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s seminal text Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the exhibition pays homage to the role of tailoring and self-expression in Black culture. With the dress code set as Tailored for You, this Met Gala also marked a historic shift, it’s the first edition in over two decades to centre on menswear, creating space for a nuanced conversation about gender, identity, and silhouette.

Speaking about her Met Gala debut, Kiara Advani shares, “Making my Met Gala debut at this point in my life, as both an artist and mother-to-be feels incredibly special. When my stylist, Anaita, approached Gaurav to design my look, he created 'Bravehearts', a vision that honours the transformative phase I’m stepping into connecting it beautifully to this year's dress code ‘Tailored for You.’ Inspired by the legacy of André Leon Talley, we reflected on what it means to show up with intention, individuality, and strength. This is a silent tribute to that, it’s a reminder that everything we do paves the way for the next generation.”

And yet, Kiara’s look did not feel out of place in this traditionally male-coded space. In fact, it redefined femininity on her terms. The sharp tailoring in the gown’s bustier juxtaposed with the gentle sweep of the fabric across her bump became a quiet rebellion, a message that motherhood is not a pause in power dressing, but an evolution of it. In many ways, her gown echoed the strength of Black dandies the exhibition honours: a deliberate curation of style, identity, and presence.

Her debut wasn't just about style, it marked her rise as a global icon. Already celebrated in the Indian film industry for her versatility, Kiara has now carved a place for herself in international fashion. Representing Indian couture with pride, she redefined what it means to walk the Met steps, not just as a celebrity, but as a woman embracing her power, identity, and future.