Kiara Advani's debut at the Met Gala 2025 has been described as "extra magical," with the actress expressing her gratitude for the experience. The Bollywood star, who is expecting her first child with husband Sidharth Malhotra, made a stunning appearance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, showcasing her maternity style in a custom-designed black-and-white strapless gown by Indian designer Gaurav Gupta.
Advani's gown, titled "Bravehearts," was designed specifically to highlight her pregnancy, marking a significant moment for both the actress and Indian fashion. Gupta, who has known Advani for over a decade, revealed that the concept for the gown started with Advani's pregnancy. He noted that both he and the actress were clear about embracing and showcasing her baby bump in a way that felt bold and celebratory. The gown featured dramatic contours and sculptural elements, a signature of Gupta's work. The sculpted bodice and fluid train paid homage to the label's signature maximalism, yet carried a softness that felt deeply personal. The dress also featured a breastplate with details of ghungroos and crystals, with two unique forms - the mother's heart and the baby's heart - linked together with a chain that looked like an umbilical cord. Additionally, Advani wore a dramatic double-paneled cape as a heartfelt tribute to the late André Leon Talley, a fashion legend known for his love of bold silhouettes.
The theme for this year's Met Gala was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity". The theme explores how Black dandies use fashion to shape identity across the Atlantic diaspora. Advani's look, while being a celebration of motherhood, also aligned with the theme by redefining femininity on her own terms. The sharp tailoring in the gown's bustier, juxtaposed with the gentle sweep of the fabric across her bump, became a quiet rebellion, conveying that motherhood is not a pause in power dressing, but an evolution of it.
Advani described her Met Gala debut as incredibly special, saying, "Making my Met Gala debut at this point in my life, as both an artist and mother-to-be feels incredibly special". She further added that the gown honors the transformative phase she's stepping into, connecting it beautifully to this year's dress code, "Tailored for You". Inspired by the legacy of André Leon Talley, Advani reflected on what it means to show up with intention, individuality, and strength, considering her appearance a silent tribute and a reminder that everything we do paves the way for the next generation.
Kiara Advani's appearance at the Met Gala has been lauded as a celebration of motherhood, strength, and transformation. It also marked a historic moment as she became the first Indian actress to grace the Met Gala carpet with her baby bump, adding depth and symbolism to an already iconic appearance.