Alia Bhatt’s 2024 Met Gala saree was a celebration of craftsmanship

The design by the Indian couturier Sabyasachi took a team of 163 people around 1965 hours to create

Alia Bhatt has shared the painstaking detail and craftsmanship that went into creating her exquisite 2024 Met Gala look.

For her appearance at this year’s event – her second time attending the annual fashion celebration – the actress turned to the Indian couturier Sabyasachi to create a saree inspired by this year’s dress code, ‘The Garden of Time.’

In a post on Instagram, Bhatt explained how “the outfit took on a life of its own” as she worked with the design team on the piece, which featured a 23-foot-long train and hand-embroidered sequins, semi-precious stones and beads.

“Nothing embodies tradition and innovation like the saree; in the skilled hands of Sabyasachi, this vision found its fullest expression,” she explained. “We looked to the past as a guide for the future, drawing inspiration from the timeless sophistication of Indian nobility.

We focused on intricate craftsmanship, incorporating hand embroidery, precious stones, along with elegant beadwork and fringes, distinctive of the 1920s’ fringe style. Our colour palette pays homage to nature’s beauty, echoing the earth, sky, and sea.”

Bhatt went on to explain that there were 163 individuals – “master craftspeople, embroiderers, artists, and dyers” – working on the outfit, investing a total of 1,965 hours into the project.

“Creating this has been quite an experience… fun and stressful in equal parts. As I wear this outfit, I feel incredibly grateful to embody this exquisite creation, a testament to boundless love and painstaking effort.”

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The beautiful ensemble was complete with hair and make-up that embraced a delicate nostalgia, she added. “An elevated coiffure embellished with intricately woven braids and soft freckles – a homage to time’s gentle caress.”