The Tamesis
Practical and ubiquitous in Indian kitchens, stainless steel can hardly be called a precious metal worthy of the Met Gala. But on fashion’s biggest night, amid a sea of diamonds and Swarovski crystals, sparkling masks made of spoons, dabbas and karchis hit the red carpet.
Artist and entrepreneur Ananya Birla, styled by Rhea Kapoor, wore Robert Wun Haute Couture and a custom-made headpiece by renowned Indian artist Subodh Gupta, paying homage to the evening’s dress code of “Fashion is Art.”
The Hong Kong-born couturier created a silk-wool cotton blazer with a plunging neckline and flared ruffled hem. Below, a pastel-blue wool-silk shirt introduced workwear references, paying homage to Birla’s industrial heritage, while a pleated ballroom skirt made of bronze glass organza added volume.
But the most striking feature of Birla’s appearance is her face. Gupta’s masks are made of stainless steel and acrylic, using traditional Indian utensils as a starting point. Birla describes it as “both a helmet and a camouflage” – an object that masks identity while making an impact. “Although it looks like a skull, it’s made from some very ordinary things that came together and became extraordinary.”
Photo: Raphael Pavarotti
Kapoor is interested in contemporary Indian sculpture precisely because it is not always one’s first association with Indian art on the global fashion carpet. “When I started thinking about sculpture, I obviously thought about the different shades of Indian art, but contemporary sculpture is what really stood out to me,” she says.
The stylist points out how everyday materials like cotton and jute formed the basis of India’s early industrial empire. “The shirts and jackets were inspired by workwear,” says Kapoor, linking the choice to Gupta’s interest in everyday objects and working people.
Birla also added a personal touch to the look by wearing a diamond necklace designed by her father. The hair and makeup stayed true to Birla’s usual look, letting the blazer, dress and especially the mask shine.
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