Natasha Poonawalla’s appearance at every Met Gala is as good as a wolfish nip at aesthetic constructs. Even as she flirts outrageously with maximalism, her avant-garde fashion choices come from a firm grip over sculpture and structure. Be it reimagining the Sabyasachi sari with otherworldly accoutrements from Schiaparelli, or diving deep into surrealism with Maison Margiela’s white bodycon dress layered with ripped black chiffon, the Vogue 2021 cover star has only scripted a visually compelling story at every Gala.
Here’s a look back on all the times Poonawalla pushed the boundaries of spectacle only to remain unforgettable:
2018
For her debut appearance in 2018, the philanthropist wore a statement strapless white gown with vibrant graffiti-inspired artwork by Prabal Gurung. Straying slightly from the theme, ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’, the dress featured an assortment of eclectica — bold lettering, patchwork, and a large figure of the Statue of Liberty — merging street art with high fashion. Minimal accessories kept the focus firmly trained on the sumptuous dress.
2019
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At the 2019 Met Gala, themed ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’, the philanthropist donned a Peter Dundas mini dress, a crystal-studded confection that cascaded into a detachable icy blue skirt with an eye-boggling train. An esoteric story alright — fed with more insouciance by her diamond maang tikka and beehive hair.
2022
Embracing and jousting in equal measure with the 2022 theme ‘In America: An Anthology of Fashion’, Poonawalla wore a handcrafted gold tulle Sabyasachi sari, featuring intricate embroidery and handiwork, and paired it with a sculptural, handmade metal bustier by Schiaparelli. The topping — literally — was the metallic contraption that enveloped her torso and head, a cross between headgear and skinny armour. The layered bangles, chunky rings, and dramatic heft of headband-cum-earrings added up to a vague imprint of a bygone queen surveying a battle of gladiators on a distant planet.
2023
In 2023, Poonawalla seemed to have time-travelled to the unknown future, wearing a custom Maison Margiela Artisanal ensemble by John Galliano — a structured bodycon dress with sharp, exaggerated shoulders and cinched waist, overlaid with mirrored metal pieces. The Star Trek-approved vibes were rounded off with sleek makeup and pulled-back ponytail.
2024
Poonawalla once again delivered a custom look in 2024, when she walked in wearing a piece from Maison Margiela’s Artisanal Collection by John Galliano, inspired by thoughts of rebirth and renewal. The sculpted white strapless bodycon dress overlaid with sheer black torn chiffon was accessorised with a large, puffy white beret, look-at-me pearl studs, and lofty Christian Louboutin heels. Her standout red lips only served to pump up the monochromatic slam.
Also read:
Natasha Poonawalla: “I think I was misjudged a little bit”
Natasha Poonawalla hits the Met Gala 2024 red carpet in custom Margiela
23 pictures that take you inside Natasha Poonawalla and Adar Poonawalla's opulent Mumbai home
