NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
New York, May 5, 2026: Indian philanthropist and socialite Sudha Reddy brought a distinctly Indian narrative to the 2026 Met Gala, appearing on fashion’s most-watched red carpet in a custom couture ensemble by designer Manish Malhotra that blended heritage textile traditions with high-concept craftsmanship.
Titled The Tree of Life, the ensemble was created in collaboration with celebrity stylist Mariel Haenn and drew inspiration from the Machilipatnam style of Kalamkari, one of India’s oldest textile art forms. According to the press release, the look reimagined the centuries-old craft through a sculptural couture lens, using motifs rooted in mythology, nature, and regional identity.
The sapphire-toned gown featured a structured corseted silhouette with intricate hand embroidery in zardozi, marodi, resham, and metalwork. A seven-meter embroidered trail added dramatic movement, while a sheer tulle cape softened the overall structure. At the back, a hand-sculpted metal installation crafted from brass, copper, and silver served as the centerpiece, designed around the symbolic Tree of Life motif.
The design also paid tribute to Reddy’s hometown of Hyderabad and the cultural landscape of Telangana, incorporating symbolic regional elements including the Palapitta, the state bird, alongside floral and celestial motifs tied to local traditions and festivals.
According to the release, the couture creation took 3,459 hours to complete and involved the work of more than 90 artisans, underscoring the scale of craftsmanship behind the final presentation.
Reddy paired the ensemble with pieces from her personal jewelry collection, valued at approximately $15 million, including a necklace centered around a 550-carat tanzanite from Tanzania’s Merelani Hills, along with diamond rings and a custom evening clutch. The look was also accented with a minaudière from Dolce & Gabbana, adding a theatrical finishing touch.
In a statement, Reddy said the ensemble was deeply personal and represented an effort to bring South Indian textile heritage to an international audience.
Malhotra described the creation as an emotional expression of craft and memory, while Haenn said the goal was to push the boundaries of red-carpet fashion by presenting Indian heritage through a cinematic, contemporary lens.
The appearance marked Reddy’s latest high-profile fashion statement on the global stage, continuing her efforts to spotlight Indian craftsmanship through couture.
Reddy is an Indian businesswoman, philanthropist, and social figure based in Hyderabad, India. She is a director at Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), one of India’s major infrastructure and engineering companies involved in energy, irrigation, transportation, and water projects.
She is also the founder and chairperson of the Sudha Reddy Foundation, which supports causes including healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and cancer awareness. Her philanthropic work has included collaborations with organizations such as UNICEF and global charity groups.
