While the Met Gala is known for its dazzling fashion and celebrity appearances, few may realise that one of its most essential design elements, the carpet, has strong roots in India. For the 2025 edition of the event, the iconic carpet was once again produced in Kerala, marking the third time it has been manufactured in the southern state. Read to find out the true origins of the red carpet,
Met Gala Red Carpet Made In India
Crafted by Extraweave, a Kerala-based company, the 63,000-square-foot carpet laid at the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art was not just a functional element, but a piece of intricate design. Manufactured in Alleppey, the carpet was woven using natural sisal fibre sourced from Madagascar. The fibre was hand-sorted and processed into a bouclé weave, known for its durability and textured surface. This wasn’t an off-the-shelf product; it was custom-designed for the Met, with exact specifications involving 57 rolls, each measuring 4 by 30 metres.
What adds to the uniqueness is the collaborative effort behind it. Over 480 artisans worked for 90 days to complete the massive order. Once manufactured, the carpet was shipped to New York, where it was hand-painted to match the year’s theme; this time, a deep blue base adorned with yellow daffodils, moving away from the traditional red.
The daffodil design held symbolic meaning. The flower is often associated with themes of transformation and self-reflection, particularly through its ties to the myth of Narcissus. This symbolism echoed the 2025 Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which explored Black dandyism, queer aesthetics, and cultural expression.
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Reflective basins placed along the carpet and daffodils suspended above created a mirrored floral experience that complemented the symbolism. These design choices transformed the carpet into more than just a walkway it became an extension of the exhibition itself.
India’s contribution to the event stands as a testament to global craftsmanship. From fiber to finish, the carpet was a result of meticulous planning, precision, and artistry. While celebrities may steal the limelight, it’s the work of these artisans that quietly sets the stage literally, for one of fashion’s most-watched nights.