Kiara Advani Makes Her Met Gala Debut in “Bravehearts” by Gaurav Gupta — A Couture Tribute
to Black Dandyism and Generational Courage
For the 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, couturier Gaurav Gupta unveils
Bravehearts -a custom couture creation worn by Kiara Advani. Designed before her journey into
motherhood, the sculptural look is both a personal milestone and a profound statement on
identity and lineage.
Rooted in the philosophy of Black dandyism, Bravehearts honours a legacy where fashion
became a radical act of resistance and identity. For Gaurav, the pioneers of this movement were
not just style icons – they were cultural heroes. Their courage in using elegance as defiance
opened portals for new expressions and generations to come. Bravehearts is named in tribute to
this bravery, the kind that not only shapes one’s own identity, but also transforms the future.
Bravehearts pays homage to the legendary André Leon Talley, whose commanding presence
and advocacy of emerging designers redefined fashion’s relationship with power, culture, and
identity. His legacy at Vogue and within Black fashion history is deeply embedded in the look’s
very structure — a tribute to fashion as resistance. The structured white cape enveloping Kiara
nods to André Leon Talley’s 2010 Met Gala appearance, wrapping the body like both shield and
statement. Talley’s legacy as a fashion gatekeeper and advocate for Black creatives underpins
the look’s emotional and cultural framework.
At the core of the look is a hand-moulded gold metal breastplate shaped like a heart, adorned
with crystals and ghungroos (bells). Rising from it is a Small Heart for the child – connected by
delicate chains forming an abstract umbilical cord. Together, they represent protection, lineage,
and the quiet power of motherhood passed from one generation to the next. A reminder that the
battles we fight – for identity, dignity, and self-expression are never fought alone.
Couturier Gaurav Gupta shares, “Bravehearts is about transformation — emotional, physical,
generational. In creating this piece for Kiara, we wanted to honour her motherhood and pay
homage to the bold elegance of Black style. The look bridges continents and histories, merging a
deep symbolism with the radical refinement of Black dandyism.”
Kiara Advani adds, “Making my Met Gala debut at this point in my life, as both an artist and
mother-to-be feels incredibly special. When my stylist, Anaita Shroff Adajania , approached
Gaurav to design my look, he created ‘Bravehearts’, a vision that honours the transformative
phase I’m stepping into connecting it beautifully to this year’s dress code ‘Tailored for you.’
Inspired by the legacy of André Leon Talley we reflected on what it means to show up with
intention, individuality and strength . This is a silent tribute to that — it’s a reminder that everything
we do, paves the way for the next generation.”
In Bravehearts, Kiara doesn’t just wear couture — she wears a message. Sculptural, sovereign, and
soul-stirring, the look speaks to the Met’s theme while carving a space uniquely her own. The
gown was created in collaboration with celebrity stylist, Anaita, who facilitated the creative
exchange between Gaurav and Kiara to bring this vision to life.