The MET GALA 2023, one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year, was held on Monday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The them for this year’s gala was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty”, honoring the late designer who was a legend in the fashion industry. Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 85, was the creative director of Chanel, Fendi and his own label, as well as a prolific photographer, publisher and art collector. His influence and legacy were evident in the stunning outfits worn by celebrities from around the world, who paid tribute to his style, vision and innovation.
But there was another star of the show that night: the carpet. The iconic carpet that graced the steps of the museum and welcomed the guests was not red, but beige, with swirls of red and blue. It was made by artisans from Kerala, a state in southern India, known for its rich culture, heritage and craftsmanship. The carpet was commissioned by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who designed the exhibition space for the Costume Institute’s showcase of Lagerfeld’s work. Ando wanted to create a contrast between the minimalist architecture and the opulent fashion, and chose a natural material that would reflect the light and create a dynamic effect.
The carpet was made by Neytt by Extraweave, a Kerala-based studio designed studio that specializes in high-end carpets and rugs. Neytt by Extraweave was founded bi Sivan Santhosh and Nimisha Srinivas, who have a passion for preserving and promoting the traditional weaving skills of Kerala. They work with local artisans who use handloom and natural fibers to create unique and sustainable products. The carpet for the Met Gala 2023 was made using sisal fibers, which are extracted from a type of agave plant native to Mexico. It took about 60 days for the artisans to weave the entire carpet, which was then painted by designers in the United States.
The carpet was a huge success and received rave reviews from the media and public. It was also a proud moment for India and Kerala, as it showcased their talent and creativity on a global platform. Neytt by Extraweave shared their excitement on their Instagram account, where they posted several photos of celebrities posing on their carpet. Some of the famous names who walked on their carpet were Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Doja Cat, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Taylor Swift. The event also saw the presence of Indian celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Alia Bhatt.
The Met Gala 2023 was not only a celebration of Karl Lagerfeld’s genius, but also a celebration of Kerala’s artistry. It was a perfect example of how fashion can transcend boundaries and cultures, and how beauty can be found in diversity and harmony.
