Who is Mona Patel and why is she and her ‘dog' trending?

Time of India

08-05-2025

What was unique about the dog?
Who is Mona Patel?
Each year, the Met Gala transforms the iconic staircase of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art into a global runway, where fashion meets fantasy, and invitees don bold, creative couture from top-notch brands and designers across the world.The 2025 edition was no exception, with a theme centered around the intersection of time and the evolution of men's fashion. The night drew celebrities, designers, and high dignitaries from the fashion industry who embraced extravagance, elegance, and experimental outfits.One of the night's most unforgettable moments was Indian-American citizen Mona Patel , whose look sparked a frenzy of cameras. Dressed in a custom masterpiece from a renowned designer, she looked glamourous, and her outfit truly redefined what tech-infused couture can look like.Her look was a blend of innovation and struck a point with the theme of the night, with precise tailoring, unique elements, and a special dog that accompanied her down the blue carpet, which was also the most talked about in the town.After her debut at the Met in 2024, Mona Patel returned in 2025 and once again stole the spotlight with a robotic dog in tow. Patel made a dramatic entrance on the hollow steps of the Met, holding a luxurious diamond leash connected to 'Vector,' a robotic dog inspired by designer Thom Browne 's iconic Hector Bag. The robot had a sleek, metallic body and perfectly designed limbs, allowing it to move gracefully with Patel.Patel's outfit was a high-concept ensemble created by Thom Browne, having an edgy-tailored suit with a halter-neck shirt and a black, beaded corset-style bodice that emphasised her waistline.The kinetic spine detailing at the back, a collaborative piece by Lisa Jiang and Timothy Bowl, added a bold mechanical detail to her already commanding look. She completed the look with a dramatic hat by Miodrag Gubernic and elegant Rene Caovilla shoes that went along well with the overall aesthetic.Mona Patel has long been known not just for her sartorial choices but for her powerful presence across industries. As the founder of multiple ventures going across healthcare, tech, and real estate, Patel is an example of modern leadership with a strong philanthropic edge.Through her organisation, Couture for Cause , she contributes to the education of girls and economic empowerment for women, particularly with an eye on sustainable, long-term change.Educated at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Patel has spoken at major global forums including the World Economic Forum in Davos, where she's known to address 'issues at the intersection of entrepreneurship, leadership, and systemic change.'At the Met Gala, however, Patel let her fashion do the talking. Her robotic dog companion symbolised technological evolution and a nod to fashion's playful future.