Met Gala: Indian entrepreneur Mona Patel's biomimic butterflies captivate audience
Mona Patel, an Indian fashion entrepreneur, made a striking debut at the Met Gala 2024, in a custom dress designed by Iris Van Herpen and styled by Law Roach. However, the most captivating detail was the mechanical butterflies that fluttered to life with every step Patel took. Patel revealed to Vogue India earlier this year that she aimed for her debut look to be a blend of her heritage and her passion for couture.
Creation of Patel's unique Met Gala gown
The inspiration for Patel's Met Gala dress came from Herpen, which perfectly aligned with "The Garden of Time" theme. To bring this unique design to life, Patel and Roach visited India earlier this year and collaborated with Herpen's team in a Mumbai-based factory. The final product was an exquisite nude gown featuring a butterfly-shaped corset, scalloped train, and kinetic butterflies around her arms like opera gloves.
'The butterflies move?!!': Patel received overwhelming praise
Patel's Met Gala debut was met with widespread acclaim. Spectators and online users hailed her as the star of the event, with comments such as, "Safe to say Mona Patel won the Met Gala 2024" and "THE BUTTERFLIES MOVE?!!! MONA PATEL I WASN'T FAMILIAR WITH YOUR GAME!, (sic)." Roach, who also styled Met Gala co-host Zendaya, played a key role in creating Patel's unforgettable look.
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'When I heard of the theme...Herpen seemed like obvious choice'
In March, Patel expressed her vision for her debut look, stating, "I wanted my debut look to be something that celebrates my heritage and also combines my love for couture, and when I heard of the theme, Iris Van Herpen seemed like the obvious choice," in an interview with the Vogue India team. Alongside Patel, other Indian luminaries such as Alia Bhatt and Isha Ambani also commanded attention on the global fashion stage.
Patel's journey, from Gujarat to global entrepreneurship
For those unaware, Patel's journey began in Vadodara, Gujarat, and led her to Rutgers University in the US for further studies. After completing her education in 2003, she chose to remain in the US to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. Over time, she has established a successful empire across various sectors, including Couture For Cause, a non-profit organization that combines fashion and philanthropy.
