Shah Rukh Khan Makes Met Gala Debut in Sabyasachi, Fusing Indian Elegance with Global Dandyism

Shah Rukh Khan’s debut appearance at the Met Gala 2025 is a natural extension of his longstanding charisma and status as a global cinematic icon.

Attending fashion’s biggest night, Khan embraced this year’s dress code, Tailored For You, wearing a carefully curated ensemble by celebrated Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

A Tribute to Global Stardom

Sabyasachi Mukherjee crafted Shah Rukh Khan’s look as a tribute to the actor’s international appeal.

“Shah Rukh Khan is one of the greatest superstars in the world. A cinematic hero, his blockbuster performances and leading-man charisma have created a legendary international fan following. My interpretation of the Black Dandy is demonstrating his stardom on a global stage,” said Mukherjee.

Khan wore a floor-length coat made of Tasmanian superfine wool, adorned with monogrammed Japanese horn buttons.

This single-breasted coat, cut with a peak collar and wide lapels, offered a sculptural silhouette. Underneath, he sported a black crepe de Chine silk shirt, left open at the chest, along with tailored wool trousers.

The outfit was accentuated by a pleated satin kamarbandh, blending structure and softness in perfect harmony.

Jewellery and Symbolism

Adding to the regal look, Sabyasachi’s jewellery layered across Shah Rukh’s torso included a custom stack of talismanic chains, a crystal-studded pendant in the shape of the letter ‘K’, and a diamond star brooch on the lapel.

Rings adorned his fingers, and he carried the Bengal Tiger Head Cane—crafted in 18k gold and set with tourmalines, sapphires, and both old mine-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds.

The ensemble took cues from Mughal court fashion, with the jacket’s silhouette reflecting India’s historic fusion of local styles and colonial tailoring.

The layered jewellery and open shirt referenced classic portraits of Indian maharajas, symbolising status and elegance through ornamental display.

A Groundbreaking Moment for Indian Cinema

With his attendance, Shah Rukh Khan made history as the first Indian male actor to walk the Met Gala red carpet. His grand debut, however, came with a viral moment when foreign media failed to recognise him.

In one widely shared video, Khan is seen walking up to a journalist.

When asked to introduce himself, he responds, “Hi, I’m Shah Rukh.” He is then prompted to name his designer and describe his outfit, to which he introduces Sabyasachi and elaborates on the look’s concept.

Viral Interviews and Humble Demeanour

In another video, Shah Rukh is asked about the significance of being the first Indian male Bollywood star at the event.

He humbly responds, “I don’t know about history, but I’m nervous, I’m excited, and Sabyasachi here…” He then nods towards the designer and says, “He convinced me to come.”

Admitting to being shy about attending, he downplays the magnitude of the moment. When asked if the blue-red carpet eased his nerves, he responds, “I’m absolutely alright.”

Vogue Interview and Designer’s Instagram Post

SRK also gave an interview to Vogue, which was shared widely on social media. In the same spirit, Sabyasachi Mukherjee took to Instagram to detail the elements of Khan’s outfit.

His caption read, “Shah Rukh Khan wears a floor length elongated coat in Tasmanian superfine wool with monogrammed, Japanese horn buttons. The coat is hand canvassed, single breasted with a peak collar and wide lapels. Paired with a crepe de chine silk shirt and tailored superfine wool trousers. A pleated satin kamarbandh completes this bespoke look. Layered with a custom stack and complemented with The Bengal Tiger Head Cane crafted in 18k gold with tourmalines, sapphires, old mine cut and brilliant cut diamonds.”

The Theme: Black Style and Tailoring

This year’s Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, is rooted in Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity (2009).

The exhibition highlights tailoring and menswear as central themes and marks the first time in over 20 years that the Met Gala has focused exclusively on menswear.

Committee member Usher remarked, “The theme this year is not only timely but also speaks to our rich culture that should always be widely celebrated.” The Met described the event as “a cultural and historical examination of black style from the 18th Century to today, through the lens of dandyism.”

A Star-Studded Co-Chair Panel

The event was co-chaired by prominent figures including singer Pharrell Williams, actor Colman Domingo, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Basketball legend LeBron James joined as an honorary co-chair.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala appearance not only showcased India’s sartorial legacy on a global platform but also served as a moment of cultural connection, humility, and timeless style.