- By Sidhi Agarwall
- Tue, 06 May 2025 03:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kiara Advani marked her highly anticipated debut at the 2025 Met Gala, captivating onlookers in a significant ensemble crafted by the esteemed Indian designer Gaurav Gupta. Expecting her first child, Advani radiated elegance and stole the spotlight in the exquisite couture creation. Kiara’s look was titled ‘Bravehearts’ and was a dedication to motherhood, metamorphosis, and individuality, designed to support a woman’s strength for a new chapter she will be entering. However, despite the meaningful concept and intricate design, Kiara's debut sparked online debate, with many users alleging similarities to a widely criticised 2024 Cannes appearance by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Kiara’s outfit drew inspiration from the Met Gala's theme, ‘Tailored for you,’ emphasising personalised and unique expressions of style, and ‘Black dandyism,’ a historical and contemporary movement celebrating Black identity through refined and often over the top fashion. Gaurav Gupta's design for Advani likely incorporated intricate details and a striking silhouette that seamlessly blended these thematic elements with the actress's personal style, solidifying her arrival as a notable presence on the global fashion stage.
Kiara’s Met look reminds me of Aish’s Cannes look
byu/inmyelement inBollyBlindsNGossip
Social media users offered mixed reactions to Kiara Advani's red carpet appearance, drawing comparisons to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's previous Cannes look. While Kiara's style presented a more streamlined aesthetic, lacking the distinctive quirky elements like puffy sleeves and floral patterns seen in Aishwarya's attire, some observers felt a sense of déjà vu. The absence of these unique details led some to describe Kiara's outfit as a ‘spiritual successor’ to Aishwarya's memorable appearance.
Aishwarya Rai at Cannes pic.twitter.com/W65RykW8LK
— Aishwarya Rai 4Ever (@4everAishwarya) May 16, 2024
The trolls' sentiments were reflected in online commentary, with phrases like ‘Bas 19/20 ka farak hai’ and accusations of ‘Zero efforts by the designer’ in popular platforms like Instagram and X. This sparked a broader discussion among fans regarding the perceived tendency of Indian designers to adopt a cautious approach when styling celebrities for international red carpet events. One user questioned this pattern of playing it safe, while another expressed disappointment, suggesting that even prominent Indian couturiers seem to lack the boldness required to create truly impactful and memorable looks for significant global stages. Trolls have also drawn comparisons of Kiara Advani's appearance as a blend of Alia Bhatt's metallic corset and Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes 2024 look.
Kiara Advani's appearance trolled as a blend of Alia Bhatt's metallic corset and Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes look. (Image: Reddit/@r/BollyBlindsNGossip)
Kiara Advani, despite facing criticism regarding her Met Gala appearance, remained resolute in her understanding of the message her chosen look conveyed. She articulated that her ensemble served as a subtle yet powerful statement about purposefulness, individuality, and inner strength. Sidharth Malhotra supported Kiara Advani at the Met Gala 2025, even though he did not walk the red carpet himself.
