Sudha Reddy, renowned philanthropist and businesswoman from Hyderabad, illuminated the 2024 Met Gala with a blend of heritage, innovation, and community spirit. Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this year’s event themed ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ found a profound representation in Reddy’s attire, embodying the ‘Garden Of Time’ dress code with impeccable grace and complexity. Her ensemble, designed by Tarun Tahiliani, not only showcased aesthetic elegance but also a deep narrative strength, marking her second remarkable appearance since her debut at the Gala in 2021.
The monochrome ivory silk gown, a custom creation from Tahiliani’s atelier, was complemented by exquisite jewelry from Farah Khan Ali, crafting a moment of timeless avant-garde flair. This attire wasn’t merely a fashion statement but a story told through fabrics and embellishments, reflecting the ongoing cultural and creative resurgence in India. Over 80 artisans invested approximately 4500 man-hours to bring this vision to life, embodying the spirit of collaboration and dedication.
The gown featured a hand-corseted bodice adorned with a miniature self-portrait of Sudha Reddy holding a delicate rose, symbolizing hope and peace. This intricate embroidery work included thousands of French knots and Indian couching, enhanced with shimmering silk threads and hand-carved mother-of-pearl flowers. These elements symbolized luminosity and permanence, while 3D butterflies on the gown represented the cycle of life. The flowing drapery and a voluminous cape made of embroidered tulle further communicated themes of regeneration and transformation.
The centerpiece of her ensemble, the ‘Amore Eterno’ necklace from Reddy’s personal collection, was an ode to enduring legacy and familial love. Adorned with 25 exceptional solitaires totaling over 180 carats, this masterpiece featured a symbolic family tree with heart-shaped diamonds representing the members of the Reddy family. This necklace, along with other stunning pieces like a 20-carat heart-shaped diamond ring and a 23-carat yellow diamond ring, added layers of personal and cultural storytelling to her appearance.
Complementing her outfit was an off-white vintage Chanel clutch and custom-made stilettos adorned with pearls, completing her elegant look. The styling team, led by Gautam Kalra, included celebrity makeup artist Nina Ubhi, who highlighted Reddy’s natural beauty with a dewy makeup look and a sophisticated messy bun adorned with bejeweled hairpins. Nail artist Fleury Rose added the finishing touch with a detailed manicure featuring cascading white flowers and Swarovski crystals, taking 100 hours to perfect.
Reddy expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate culture, community, and creativity at such a grand scale. She highlighted the significance of collaboration in fashion, crediting her designers, management, and glam team for making the evening possible. Tarun Tahiliani, the designer behind the gown, described the outfit as a metaphor for India as a “sleeping beauty reawakening,” celebrating the timeless craftsmanship and the eternal cycle of renewal.
Farah Khan Ali, the jewelry designer, emphasized the meticulous process behind crafting the ‘Amore Eterno’ necklace, from sourcing natural diamonds to the final high-precision crafting, symbolizing the dance of life where past, present, and future converge.
Beyond her glamorous appearances, Sudha Reddy’s role as Director of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited underscores her commitment to societal contributions. Through her foundation and collaborations with organizations like UNICEF and the Global Gift Foundation, Reddy champions initiatives that promote healthcare, education, and women’s and children’s empowerment on a global scale. Her philanthropic work and presence at international events like the Cannes Film Festival and the UN General Assembly reflect her stature as a leader and advocate for critical global issues.
Sudha Reddy’s Met Gala appearance was not just a display of high fashion but a celebration of cultural heritage, personal commitment to community and creativity, setting a benchmark for how fashion can serve as a conduit for expressing deeper societal values and personal narratives.
Published by: Holy Minoza
