Kerala's Masterpiece at Met Gala 2025: A Symphony of Art, Fashion, and Culture.

The Met Gala 2025 was a night to remember as the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art transformed into a vibrant celebration of fashion, heritage, and cultural pride. The theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" honored the legacy and innovation of Black sartorial expression, with breathtaking visuals and powerful storytelling. At the heart of this spectacular event was a masterpiece created by a Kerala-based firm, Extraweave - a dazzling blue floral runway that was not only a visual masterpiece but also a symbol of conscious creativity.The Met Gala: A Legendary Celebration of Fashion and ArtThe Met Gala, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is a premier fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in Manhattan. Founded in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the event has evolved into "fashion's biggest night," where haute couture intersects with history to create the ultimate cultural moment. Held annually on the first Monday of May, the Met Gala celebrates the opening of the Costume Institute's latest exhibition, with guests dressing to a theme that sets the tone for the year's most talked-about fashion From its humble beginnings as a $50 midnight supper to its current status as a global fashion phenomenon, the Met Gala has come a long way. Over the years, the event has featured iconic looks that have defined red carpet history, including Madonna's theatrical flair, Alia Bhatt's stunning sari, and Lady Gaga's performance art. Each theme offers designers and celebrities a canvas to push boundaries, making the Met Gala a mirror of the times .The Significance of the Met GalaThe Met Gala isn’t just about glamorous gowns and red-carpet moments—it’s where fashion meets storytelling. It’s a celebration of art, culture, and history, all stitched together into one unforgettable night. Beyond the glitz, the Gala plays a vital role in supporting the Costume Institute, raising millions to preserve and showcase fashion as a form of art. With its unique blend of high fashion, pop culture, and timeless craftsmanship, the Met Gala continues to enchant audiences around the world, earning its place as fashion’s most iconic night.A Canvas of Royal Blue and FlowersThe 63,000-square-foot blue carpet, woven by Extraweave, was a work of art that set the stage for the star-studded event. Accentuated with golden daffodils, reflective floral installations, and cascading flower walls that shimmered under soft lighting, the carpet was a testament to the firm's craftsmanship and attention to detail. The museum itself was bathed in hues of royal blue and gold, turning the historic venue into a vibrant tribute to both elegance and resilience.Extraweave's journey to creating this masterpiece began over 100 years ago, when Sivan Santhosh's grandfather, K Velayudhan, set up Travancore Mats and Matting company in 1917. The brand grew over the years, exporting rugs and carpets to places across the world. Sivan's father, Santhosh Velayudhan, launched Extraweave Pvt. Ltd. two decades ago, taking the business to new heights with imported machinery and expanding the company's horizons. Today, Neytt, founded by Sivan along with Nimisha Srinivas, works towards creating sustainable rugs and carpets using natural fibers.The Making of a MasterpieceCreating the Met Gala carpet was no easy feat. It took 480 people over 90 days to weave the 6,840 square meters of wall-to-wall carpet from natural sisal fiber imported from Madagascar. The artisans at Extraweave had to sort the fiber by hand to avoid shade variations, ensuring that every single thread was perfect. "Even a slightly off-colored thread can show up as a shade variation," says Sivan. "We did multiple quality checks to ensure the color was uniform." The boucle weave was done in a specialized loom, and the team's dedication to detail was evident in every stitch. Neytt's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is inspiring. Over 40% of the company's workforce is women, including in leadership roles. By empowering women and promoting sustainable practices, Neytt is not only creating beautiful products but also contributing to the well-being of the community.A Moment of PrideFor the employees of Extraweave and Neytt, being part of the Met Gala 2025 was a moment of pride. "A lot of care and effort have gone into the carpet," says Sivan. "The entire team, across departments, worked together to create this beautiful piece of art." As the carpet became a canvas for the iconic event, it symbolized the confluence of art, fashion, and culture, showcasing India's craftsmanship and cultural pride on the global stage. The Met Gala 2025 was a celebration of excellence, creativity, and innovation. Extraweave's masterpiece carpet was a proof  to the power of human ingenuity and the beauty of Indian craftsmanship. As we look forward to future events, we can't help but feel inspired by the dedication, passion, and creativity of the team behind this stunning work of art. With its legacy, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability, Extraweave is truly a brand to watch.