In the midst of the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala 2024, an astute observation made by fans has elevated Indian actress Alia Bhatt’s fashion statement to viral status. Bhatt, known for her powerful performances and trend-setting style, recently made waves at the esteemed event, celebrated as the pinnacle of high-fashion gatherings. This year’s installment of the Met Gala, adorned with the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” in line with the dress code “The Garden of Time,” provided a lush vista for the illustrious guests to showcase their interpretation of fashion through the ages.
Among the sweeping gowns and avant-garde outfits, Alia Bhatt captivated the audience in a breath-taking Sabyasachi mint green saree. However, it wasn’t just her outfit that captured the attention; a keenly spotted black dot, a “kaala teeka,” discretely placed behind her ear, has sparked an internet frenzy. This kaala teeka, a minuscule but significant detail, represents a cultural practice from Bhatt’s homeland, India, meant to shield an individual from negative energies or the ‘evil eye.’
Alia Bhatt’s embodiment of cultural pride didn’t end with the kaala teeka. The saree she adorned is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and the sustainable mantra of handmade artistry, envisioned by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Rejecting the modern-day inclinations towards technology, Sabyasachi sought to capture the essence of nature and the perennial beauty of hand-made articles, which, in his philosophy, resonate with the conservation of culture. The saree, a shimmering cascade of meticulous design and handiwork, required the dedication of 163 artisans, who collectively spent around 1965 hours perfecting the piece over several months.
To complement the saree’s splendor, Sabyasachi crafted a luxurious bralette, bedecked with an array of precious stones such as emeralds, pearls, tourmalines, and sapphires. This dazzling piece mirrored the rich traditions of Indian jewelry making. Bhatt paired the saree with the creative insight of Anaita Shroff Adajania, her trusted stylist, to encapsulate the thematic narrative of “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
Drawing inspiration from the fantasy-like elements of the Met Gala’s theme and the garden setting, Bhatt’s attire is a homage to the surreal verdure described in J.G. Ballard’s tale. The saree’s sheer, glassy texture echoes the ethereal allure of the story’s garden, while the intricate details — ruffles, tassels, sequins, and gemstones — nod to the fantastical existence of Count Axel and his wife.
Floral patterns bloom across the saree, adding dimension and vivacity, as if the fabric itself sprouted a garden of lush flora. The 3D flowers adorning the saree offer a stark, alluring contrast against the lightweight material, summoning the essence of a garden into the physical realm. The saree’s beauty is unquestionable, but the extended pallu with a trailing train amplifies its elegance, and the addition of a butterfly blouse with ruffled sleeves enhances the overall charm.
Alia Bhatt, with a fashion ensemble that bridged the gap between modernity and tradition, proved to be a spectacle at the Met Gala 2024. But beyond the flashbulbs and the adulation for her aesthetic, it was the tiny, traditional kaala teeka that illustrated the magnetic power of cultural homage. This viral detail reiterated the belief that amidst the grandeur of global fashion events, there remains a space to honor age-old customs and the silent, protective charms they bear.
