Manish Malhotra Turns Heads at MET Gala 2026 With Mumbai-inspired Couture Cape

Manish Malhotra made his second consecutive appearance at the MET Gala. He arrived in a traditional bandhgala with an embroidered cape. Interestingly, the cape featured the names and signatures of its makers in India, who have also worked with the designer for decades.

The cape’s body also has references to iconic places in Mumbai, including Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Opening up about the ensemble on social media, his fashion label shared, “Wearing an Indian bandhgala layered with an architectural cape crafted over 960 hours by 50 artisans across Delhi and Mumbai, the designer transforms the garment into a living narrative of place, memory, and authorship. Traditional Indian techniques including dori work, zardozi, chikankari, and kasab in white and ivory are integrated as storytelling, while the names and signatures of every artisan are embroidered directly into the lining and on the cape. Intricate hand-embroidery serves as references to Mumbai’s cinematic landmarks, while three-dimensional sculptural elements celebrate the artisans of his atelier who crafted the piece, positioning the look as both homage and declaration- asserting Indian craftsmanship as a leading voice in global couture. Accessorized with our signature MM brooch & collar pins from Manish Malhotra High Jewellery.”

Take a look at his clicks from the red carpet below: