Fashion student reimagines Shah Rukh Khan's Met Gala look and the Internet thinks it's better than the original

Time of India

12-05-2025

The 2025 Met Gala was a landmark event, not just for its usual star-studded lineup, but for the unexpected buzz around Shah Rukh Khan's debut on the iconic red carpet. While the Bollywood superstar's appearance was a significant moment, it was the creative reinterpretations of his ensemble that truly captured the internet's imagination.
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Shah Rukh Khan's original ensemble
For his Met Gala debut, Shah Rukh Khan donned a custom black outfit designed by
. The ensemble featured a floor-length coat made from superfine Tasmanian wool, paired with a black silk shirt and tailored trousers. Accessories included layered talismanic chains, a crystal-studded 'K' pendant, a diamond star brooch, and an 18k gold cane adorned with tourmalines and sapphires.
The look was a fusion of Black and Indian dandyism, reflecting Khan's global superstar status and paying homage to Mughal-inspired tailoring traditions.
Utkarsh Upadhyay's AI-enhanced reinterpretations
Fashion student Utkarsh Upadhyay, an alumnus of NIFT Mumbai, took to Instagram to present his AI-enhanced reinterpretations of Khan's Met Gala look. Using a blend of Indian textile heritage and AI tools, Upadhyay created five distinct designs that reimagined Khan's ensemble with a modern twist:
Bandhani drape fantasy: A couture take on traditional Bandhani tie-dye prints from Gujarat and Rajasthan, layered and exaggerated for dramatic effect.
Bombay art deco dandy: A sharp, gold-on-black silhouette inspired by the bold geometry of Mumbai's Art Deco buildings, combined with vintage dandy tailoring.
Parsi gara elegance: A sheer coat hand-embroidered with delicate Parsi Gara motifs, reimagined for the red carpet in noir tones.
Pashmina royal: Rich Kashmiri pashmina textures styled as dramatic floor-length capes and sculpted lapels, creating a soft-yet-regal silhouette.
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Sabyasachi redux: A head-to-toe homage to the Sabyasachi universe - velvet, embroidery, heritage jewellery, and unapologetic maximalism.
Upadhyay's designs garnered significant attention online, with many users expressing admiration for his reinterpretations. Comments ranged from "You did justice to SRK more than Sabyasachi" to "So much better than what he actually wore." Some even suggested that Upadhyay should design Khan's next Met Gala look.
Vogue
A blend of tradition and innovation
The juxtaposition of Shah Rukh Khan's original Met Gala look with Utkarsh Upadhyay's AI-enhanced designs highlights the dynamic interplay between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology in fashion. While Khan's ensemble paid homage to Mughal-inspired tailoring traditions, Upadhyay's reinterpretations infused contemporary elements, showcasing the evolving nature of fashion and design.
As the fashion industry continues to embrace technological advancements, the fusion of AI tools with traditional design practices offers exciting possibilities for future innovations. Upadhyay's work exemplifies how emerging technologies can be harnessed to reimagine and reinterpret classic styles, paving the way for a new era of fashion that honours heritage while embracing innovation.
The 2025 Met Gala served as a platform for not only showcasing celebrity fashion but also for highlighting the creative talents of emerging designers like Utkarsh Upadhyay. His AI-enhanced reinterpretations of Shah Rukh Khan's ensemble sparked conversations about the future of fashion and the role of technology in design. As the industry continues to evolve, collaborations between traditional artisans and tech-savvy designers may lead to groundbreaking innovations that redefine the boundaries of fashion.
For those interested in exploring more of Utkarsh Upadhyay's work and his innovative approach to fashion design, his Instagram handle 'ikilled_chanel' offers a glimpse into his creative journey and AI-assisted designs.