Kiara Advani’s debut at the MET Gala 2025 has not only earned her praise for her unique sartorial choice but has also sparked comparisons with fellow Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s appearance at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Both stars made bold statements in black and gold ensembles featuring capes, and the internet was quick to draw similarities between their looks.
Kiara, who is expecting her first child with actor-husband Sidharth Malhotra, wore a dramatic black strapless gown paired with a sculptural gold breastplate adorned with ghungroos and crystals.
Designed by Gaurav Gupta, the breastplate wasn’t just a fashion element, it told an emotional story. The piece symbolised the intimate journey of motherhood, with two golden heart motifs, titled ‘Mother Heart’ and ‘Baby Heart,’ connected by a chain representing the umbilical cord. The delicate sound of ghungroos added a lyrical Indian touch to the ensemble.
Fans couldn’t help but compare the look to Aishwarya’s Cannes red carpet outfit. The actress wore a custom-made black and gold gown by Falguni Shane Peacock that featured dramatic puffed sleeves, golden patterns, and a floor-sweeping cape adorned with 3D gold floral embellishments. While the former Miss World is known for her fashion risks, her Cannes look received mixed reactions online, with some critics finding it underwhelming.
Despite the differences in execution, both stars embraced the black-and-gold palette, high-drama silhouettes, and capes – elements that netizens say gave off a similar ‘desi goddess’ energy.
One social media user commented, “Is it just me or does Kiara’s MET Gala look feel like a spiritual successor to Aishwarya’s Cannes gown?” while another wrote, “Bas 19/20 ka farak hai.”
“Zero efforts by the designer,” read another comment whereas another fan asked, “Why Indian designers always play SAFE! Non of them have it. Sabyasachi always disappoints on international level.”
“Both are fails,” read a fan’s verdict.
MET Gala 2025
The theme of this year’s MET Gala, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, is inspired by Monica L Miller’s influential book Slaves to Fashion, celebrating the global influence and artistry of Black fashion and tailoring.
Kiara was among a handful of Indian celebrities to attend the prestigious event. Others spotted on the red carpet included Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, Manish Malhotra and Priyanka Chopra.
