The Met Gala has always been synonymous with glamour, grandeur and jaw-dropping fashion. But this year, the event's visual spectacle extended well beyond celebrity ensembles. Beneath the feet of stars like Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Isha Ambani and Kiara Advani lay an artistic marvel, a stunning blue carpet created by a homegrown Indian brand from Kerala. Neytt by Extraweave, based in Alleppey, has once again made India proud by crafting the carpet for the Met Gala 2025, their third time doing so.
Neytt provided the foundation rugVogue
The deep royal blue carpet, measuring an expansive 63,000 square feet, featured delicately painted golden daffodils and floral motifs. While the final design was created by the Met Gala team, Neytt provided the foundational rug — a pristine white canvas, handwoven in Alleppey — on which the artwork was hand-painted. The result was a breathtaking setting that perfectly complemented the opulent theme and celebrity styles of the night.
In a post shared on Instagram on 6 May, Neytt expressed pride in contributing to one of fashion’s most prestigious events yet again. “No big deal — just our rug at The Met, again! We’re incredibly proud to have provided the Met Gala carpet for the THIRD time,” the caption read. The brand also paid tribute to their in-house team, calling them the “real heroes behind the scenes”.
A behind-the-scenes video revealed the meticulous process behind the carpet's creation. The video, which quickly gained traction online, showed the stages of weaving and preparation, highlighting the attention to detail and craftsmanship involved. Responses poured in from across the globe, particularly from Malayalee communities who celebrated the achievement as a proud moment for Kerala. One comment read, “You guys are doing Kerala so, so proud,” while another added, “Indeed a 'blue carpet' moment for all Malayalees across the globe.”
Though Neytt may be a relatively new brand, its parent company has a legacy that dates back over a century. Founded in 1917 by the grandfather of current co-founder Sivan Santhosh, the company has long been a pillar of Kerala's traditional weaving industry. Extraweave, the umbrella company established in 2000 by Sivan’s father, gave rise to Neytt — a luxury rug label that places sustainability and artisanal excellence at its core. Sivan and his wife Nimisha launched Neytt with the goal of pushing boundaries in the premium lifestyle floor coverings sector, with a strong focus on using sustainable and exotic raw materials like sisal, lyocell, linen, and seagrass.
Neytt’s designs are known for their narrative qualityGetty
Their consistent commitment to craftsmanship and eco-conscious design has earned them collaborations with global giants such as Ralph Lauren Home, Pottery Barn and IKEA. Neytt has also supplied rugs for high-profile international locations, including the White House, and it was one of these collaborations that eventually connected the brand to the Met Gala team via a US-based partner, Fibreworks.
Reflecting on their first involvement with the Met Gala, Sivan recalled being approached to create a specific rug made from sisal fibre. “We collaborated with Fibreworks in the United States… They wanted this specific rug to be made through us. Fibreworks connected us with the Met Gala team, and we worked closely with them,” he told Vogue India in 2023. The brand produced 58 rolls of carpet, each measuring 30 metres by 4 metres, in just 60 days for the 2023 event, a mammoth task that solidified Neytt's standing in the international design community.
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This year’s edition was no different in scale or ambition. The royal blue carpet not only stood out for its striking aesthetic but also reinforced the Gala’s subtle shift towards sustainable luxury. Neytt’s use of biodegradable sisal fibres sourced from Madagascar is in line with their philosophy of “building a better tomorrow”, as noted on their website. Their fully integrated production facility in Alleppey ensures a streamlined, in-house process — from raw material processing to the final hand-finished product.
The story woven into every thread quietly told its own taleGetty
In addition to sustainable materials, Neytt’s designs are known for their narrative quality. The brand frequently partners with artists and designers to create limited-edition pieces that tell stories through texture, colour and pattern. This emphasis on storytelling is what makes their carpets more than just floor coverings, they become part of a larger aesthetic and cultural moment.
The Met Gala is one of fashion’s most-watched events, with every detail scrutinised by millions across the world. For a brand from Kerala to play such an integral role on this global stage, and to do so for the third consecutive time, is no small feat. It marks a moment of recognition not just for Neytt, but for Indian craftsmanship at large.
In an industry increasingly turning towards authenticity, craftsmanship and sustainability, Neytt’s rise serves as a reminder of India’s rich artisanal traditions and their potential to shine on the world stage. As cameras captured celebrities striding across the magnificent blue carpet, the story woven into every thread quietly told its own tale, of heritage, innovation, and homegrown pride.
With Neytt at its feet, Met Gala 2025 was not only a celebration of fashion but also a tribute to craftsmanship rooted in tradition and elevated to global acclaim.
Imagine your dream designer bag now costs more than a month’s rent. Welcome to 2025, now luxury isn’t just a splurge but a high-stakes financial tango, right? Inflation, tariffs, and a dash of geopolitical drama have collided, sending price tags into orbit. This time, brands aren’t just nudging numbers, but they’re launching full-blown price tsunamis. Can you still play the luxury game without drowning in debt? Let’s break down who’s hiking, why, and whether that iconic piece is worth the squeeze.
Chanel
In 2025, Chanel has been on a price-raising spree, almost as relentless as their signature tweed. The iconic Classic Flap Bag Large, for instance, now retails at 9,400 GBP (9,52,000 INR), a steep jump from 7,870 GBP (7,97,000 INR) back in January. That’s not just a rise; it’s a whole statement. With demand booming and the brand’s push for exclusivity, Chanel clearly shows no signs of slowing down.
Louis Vuitton’s strategy? Keep things steady but consistently pricier. In 2025, the Alma PM handbag crept up to 1,590 GBP (1,61,000 INR), marking a 6.4% increase. Meanwhile, the Clooney BB inched to 1,925 GBP (1,95,000 INR), a 4.9% hike, while the Capucines MM surged by 7.2%, now priced at 6,310 GBP (6,39,000 INR). Inflation’s impact? Definitely. The only thing rising faster than these prices? Their legendary prestige.
The iconic Hermès is giving luxury lovers something to chew on, especially if their taste leans toward legendary bags like the Birkin or Kelly. In the U.S., prices for the Birkin 25 in Togo leather rose from 8,400 GBP (8,52,000 INR) to 8,900 GBP (9,03,000 INR): a 6.1% increase. The Kelly 25 in Togo Retourne jumped from 8,350 GBP (8,47,000 INR) to 8,900 GBP (9,03,000 INR), marking a 6.2% hike. Some exotic models, like the Kelly 25 in Matte Alligator, saw a staggering 23.8% increase, now priced at 38,800 GBP (39,37,000 INR). Because nothing says 'forever status' like a price tag that stings.
Rolex has increased prices on its gold models by up to 14%, reflecting a 27% rise in the cost of gold itself. For instance, the white gold Daytona with the OysterFlex bracelet now retails at 24,300 GBP (24,70,000 INR), up from 22,350 GBP (22,70,000 INR) last year. Stainless steel models have seen more modest increases of about 1-3%. Gold just got a little more golden right?
Known for its cashmere and quiet luxury, Loro Piana isn’t shying away from price hikes either. Some items, like the Loom handbag, rose by 8%, while select pieces saw a staggering 23% increase. Soft just got pricier.
Tag Heuer quietly nudged up the price of select U.S. models by around 10% this summer, a direct response to looming U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports. It’s a cautious buffer rather than a drastic shock, as the brand hedges against potential margin hits. Rather than surprising buyers later, Tag Heuer is choosing to gently pad prices now, just in case.
Even beauty brands aren’t safe from the pricing squeeze. Sisley bumped up the price of its Korean products by 5%, while L’Oréal increased prices of Yves Saint Laurent and Lancôme items at duty-free outlets by about 10%. It’s partly due to higher ingredient costs and partly because “flex splurging” in Korea shows buyers aren’t put off by a little extra cost.
In a more gradual move, Coach has been incrementally hiking prices over 19 of the last 20 quarters, while Ralph Lauren pushed its average retail price up by about 12%. Instead of shocking customers, they’re taking a slow and steady approach, which has surprisingly fuelled demand rather than dampened it.
Cartier’s parent company, Richemont, is taking a softer approach, avoiding major price hikes despite the pressure of U.S. tariffs. Instead of gambling on big increases, Richemont is holding prices steady, particularly for its luxury jewellery, which continues to perform well without any drastic changes.
With higher-end items becoming even more unreachable, brands are shifting focus to “affordable luxury.” Think sub-400 GBP (40,000 INR) accessories like designer scarves and wallets, small indulgences that keep aspirational customers engaged. It’s a strategic play to maintain interest without alienating the middle-class luxury lover.
Luxury prices in 2025 are skyrocketing as iconic brands make big movesiStock
The luxury gamble?
The overall picture is clear. Some players have quietly bet on patient, incremental hikes and are already reaping rewards, while others have pushed hard and risk alienating shoppers. Observers note that Coach and Ralph Lauren’s measured markups drove a surprising sales boom (+42% Coach growth in Europe in Q4), whereas ultra-luxe giants saw only minimal gains. In short, moving slowly seems to have paid off, at least so far while exorbitant jumps have mostly just made headlines.
The gamble now is on for every brand. Every new price tag is a wager: will wealthy buyers shrug and splurge, or push back and hunt for deals?
Bella Hadid’s return to the Cannes Film Festival was anything but quiet. This year, the model showed up ready to challenge the red carpet rules without actually breaking them.
With new restrictions in place like no sheer fabrics, no visible nudity, no dramatic trains or bulky silhouettes, fashion-watchers wondered if Bella, known for her daring Cannes looks in the past, would tone it down. Instead, she found a clever way around the rules.
Her choice for the opening ceremony? A sleek black Saint Laurent dress with a high slit that climbed nearly to her hip. It was revealing but not banned. The asymmetrical cowl neckline and bare back added to the drama without crossing any lines. Paired with barely-there strappy heels, emerald statement earrings, and a ring, the outfit managed to be both understated and provocative.
Earlier in the day, she’d already turned heads arriving at Hotel Martinez in a white corset top and matching bootcut trousers, another Saint Laurent nod. Her honey-blonde updo, oversized sunglasses, and vintage accessories made it clear that Bella wasn’t here to just blend in.
And while the Met Gala missed her this year, Cannes got the full Hadid effect.
The model’s new hair colour, a shift from brunette to a summery honey blonde, felt like a fresh chapter. Soft waves framed her face, complementing the dark, moody tones of her red carpet outfit. Makeup stayed simple with smokey eyes, matte skin, and nude lips. No theatrics, pure elegance and confidence.
The most impressive part of it all? She managed to follow every rule while still standing out. While some stars played it safe under the stricter dress code, Bella turned the limits into a challenge. No sheer panels? Try bold cut-outs. No dramatic trains? Go for shape-hugging minimalism with impact.
Fashion at Cannes has always been about pushing boundaries. This time, Bella Hadid did it with precision, walking the tightrope between compliance and creativity.
A nationwide recall of five eye care products has been issued in the United States after concerns were raised about their sterility and manufacturing standards. BRS Analytical Services, LLC, the manufacturer of the affected products, has urged consumers to stop using them immediately due to potential safety risks.
The recall, shared in a press release by healthcare distributor AvKARE, affects more than 1.8 million cartons of eye drops. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified multiple violations during a recent audit, including failures to meet Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards.
CGMP regulations set the minimum requirements for the manufacturing, processing, and packaging of drug products to ensure their safety, quality, and efficacy. The FDA stated there is a “lack of assurance of sterility” in the recalled items, which could pose serious health risks to users.
The following products have been included in the recall:
Artificial Tears Ophthalmic Solution
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Gel 1%
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution
Lubricant Eye Drops Solution
Polyvinyl Alcohol Ophthalmic Solution
Although the company has not specified the exact health risks, it warned that the products are of “unacceptable quality” and that “it’s not possible to rule out patient risks resulting from use of these products.”
The recalled products were distributed from 26 May 2023 to 21 April 2025. Consumers in possession of any of the affected items are advised to discontinue use immediately and either return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them safely.
Customers are also encouraged to complete and submit the recall notice form, including the “Quantity to Return” section and their contact details. These can be sent via fax or email to AvKARE, even if the products are no longer in their possession.
The FDA has categorised the recall as a Class II, meaning there is a reasonable probability that use of the products could result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, or that serious harm is unlikely but possible.
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Diljit Dosanjh stuns Met Gala with 2,500-stone necklace inspired by lost Maharaja treasure
When Diljit Dosanjh stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet this year, he didn’t just show up in a designer outfit but walked in carrying history. Dressed in an all-white ensemble with a turban, a kirpan and a spectacular necklace layered with emeralds and diamonds, Dosanjh paid tribute to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, a name long associated with grandeur and timeless elegance.
The necklace was made in Jaipur by Golecha Jewels, who spent nearly four months crafting the piece. It wasn’t a copy of the original Patiala necklace, which vanished decades ago, but a fresh creation inspired by archival images and Dosanjh’s personality. It featured over 2,500 stones, with the emerald centrepiece weighing close to 130 carats, according to jeweller Manav Golecha.
This wasn’t just about recreating a look from the past. Diljit’s team had tried to borrow the original Cartier necklace, a 1,000 carat marvel made for the Maharaja in 1928, but were turned down, as it remains sealed in a museum. Instead, they chose to reimagine the spirit of it. “The idea was to reflect royalty, but also Diljit’s humility and strength,” said Golecha.
Diljit Dosanjh and Prabal Gurung attend the 2025 Met GalaGetty Images
The look sparked wider interest in the story behind the original Patiala necklace, a necklace so extravagant that Cartier took three years to finish it. Its centrepiece was a De Beers yellow diamond the size of a golf ball. After India’s independence, it mysteriously disappeared. Pieces resurfaced years later, some in antique stores in London. Cartier eventually restored what they could, but the original remains incomplete, like a puzzle with no real ending.
However, at this year’s Met Gala, Diljit didn’t need the original to make his mark. His outfit, from the Gurmukhi script embroidery to the lion-headed kirpan, stood out for its cultural clarity. This was not just fashion. It was a reclamation. A moment of visibility. A Punjabi artist, standing tall at one of the world’s most-watched fashion events, unapologetically rooted in his language, his people and his past.
The Met Gala may be fashion’s biggest night, but controversy always finds its way onto the red carpet. This year was no different. From bold political statements sewn into lingerie to grand piano backpacks and a wave of pantless outfits, the 2025 Met Gala saw celebs pushing boundaries—and sometimes too far. Whether these looks were fashion-forward or just plain eyebrow-raising, one thing’s for sure: they got people talking.
1. Halle Berry’s see-through gown turned heads and raised eyebrows
Halle Berry isn’t new to bold red carpet fashion, but her nearly-nude LaQuan Smith gown left very little to the imagination. At 58, the actress confidently rocked a sheer black dress with striped panels and no underwear. While fans applauded her confidence, others felt the look teetered too close to a wardrobe malfunction and missed the mark on elegance.
Halle Berry stuns in a sheer black gown that divided the internetGetty Images
2. Lisa’s Louis Vuitton bodysuit sparked a storm
K-pop star and White Lotus actress Lisa made her Met Gala debut in a lingerie-style Louis Vuitton bodysuit embroidered with women’s faces. But things went south fast when social media users noticed one image strongly resembled civil rights icon Rosa Parks positioned on the underwear. What was likely meant to be empowering quickly turned into one of the night’s most talked-about fashion fails, with many calling it tone-deaf and disrespectful.
Lisa’s bodysuit drew backlash after fans spotted a controversial detailGetty Images
3. Kim Kardashian's futuristic Balenciaga look
Kim K has had her share of Met Gala hits and misses, and this year’s sculptural Balenciaga look fell somewhere in between. The silver gown itself was futuristic and structured, but the face-covering chrome mask stole all the attention for good or bad. While some called it a clever commentary on fame and anonymity, others just found it strange and impersonal.
Kim Kardashian hides behind a chrome mask in her futuristic Balenciaga look Getty Images
4. Amelia Gray Hamlin’s pantless red Valentino look stirred debate
Amelia Gray Hamlin embraced the pantless trend in a bold red Valentino ensemble that blended high fashion with high risk. Her look featured a daring bodysuit and dramatic accessories, but opinions were split. While some praised the fearless fashion choice, others felt it leaned more risqué than refined and questioned how well it fit the theme.
Amelia Gray goes bold with a no pants red Valentino ensembleGetty Images
5. André 3000’s baby grand piano backpack left everyone confused
Leave it to André 3000 to make a statement no one saw coming. The rapper walked the carpet with a literal baby grand piano strapped to his back and a rubbish bag as a purse. Some praised the creativity and tie-in to his latest EP, while others wondered if the Met Gala had become a performance art showcase. Gimmick or genius? The jury’s still out.
André 3000 arrives with a baby grand piano on his back and a rubbish bagGetty Images
The pantless trend
The no-pants trend dominated, with celebrities like Lisa, Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Amelia Gray Hamlin opting for bodysuits, blazers, and visible underwear. Some celebrated it as modern and daring, while others saw it as a fashion cop-out that distracted from the “tailored Black style” theme.
No pants plenty of opinions the bold red carpet trend that stole the spotlight and sparked debateGetty Images
Final thoughts?
At the Met Gala, fashion risks are expected, but when they veer into uncomfortable, off-theme, or downright confusing territory, they spark global conversation. These looks prove that controversy on the red carpet can be just as headline-making as elegance. Whether you loved them, hated them, or still don’t know what to think, they all made sure the 2025 Met Gala won’t be forgotten any time soon.