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The Met Gala, an annual fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City, is renowned not only for its extravagant fashion displays and celebrity attendees but also for its meticulously crafted decor. Each year, the gala features a specific theme that influences everything from the attendees' attire to the overall ambiance of the event. A crucial component of this ambiance is the carpet, which serves as a visual anchor for the red carpet arrivals and sets the tone for the evening. The 2025 Met Gala was no exception, and the story behind its creation is a testament to global collaboration, skilled craftsmanship, and the dedication to achieving perfection. The carpet for the Met Gala 2025 was designed and manufactured by Neytt Homes, a Kerala-based brand founded by Sivan Santhosh and Nimisha Srinivas. This marked the third consecutive year that Neytt Homes, or its parent company Extraweave, has been entrusted with the responsibility of creating the iconic carpet, having previously supplied the red carpet for the 2022 and 2023 galas. The fact that a relatively small company from Kerala, India, has consistently been chosen to undertake such a prestigious project speaks volumes about the quality of their work and their ability to meet the exacting standards of the Met Gala. The process of creating the Met Gala 2025 carpet was an intricate and labor-intensive undertaking. According to Sivan Santhosh, the base carpet was manufactured in Allappey, Kerala, using the finest quality natural sisal fiber sourced from Madagascar. Sisal is a durable and sustainable material derived from the Agave cactus, known for its strength and resilience. The use of sisal not only ensures the longevity of the carpet but also aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious practices within the fashion industry. The manufacturing process involved a boucle weave, a technique that creates a looped or textured surface, adding depth and visual interest to the carpet. A team of 480 people across various departments dedicated close to 90 days to perfecting the weave and finish of the carpet, ensuring that it met the stringent standards required for the Met Gala. This demonstrates the significant human effort and expertise involved in bringing the design to life. The finished base carpet, consisting of 57 rolls measuring 4 x 30 meters each, was then shipped to New York City, where it was hand-painted by artists. This final step added an artistic touch and ensured that the carpet perfectly complemented the overall theme and aesthetic of the gala. The combination of traditional craftsmanship in Kerala and artistic embellishment in New York highlights the global nature of the project and the collaborative spirit that underpinned its success. The 2025 Met Gala theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," paid homage to Dandyism, a menswear style and code of conduct prevalent in Black culture during the 18th and 19th centuries. Dandyism is characterized by tailored outfits and elegant, refined silhouettes, and the carpet design likely reflected this aesthetic through its color palette, patterns, and overall sense of sophistication. The selection of Neytt Homes for the third consecutive year is a testament to their consistent delivery of high-quality carpets that meet the specific requirements of the Met Gala. In 2023, the company created a red carpet based on inputs from Japanese architect Tadao Ando, measuring approximately 6,960 square meters and woven using sisal fiber. This demonstrates Neytt Homes' ability to adapt to different design visions and work collaboratively with renowned artists and designers. The involvement of an Indian company in such a prominent event also highlights the growing influence of Indian craftsmanship and design on the global stage. India has a rich tradition of textile production and craftsmanship, and Neytt Homes is a prime example of how this heritage can be combined with modern techniques to create world-class products. The Met Gala carpet serves as a platform to showcase this expertise and contribute to the cultural exchange between India and the rest of the world. Beyond the visual appeal and aesthetic significance, the Met Gala carpet also serves a practical purpose. It provides a safe and comfortable surface for the celebrity guests to walk on, protecting them from the elements and ensuring that they can make a grand entrance without any mishaps. The carpet also helps to define the red carpet area, creating a focal point for photographers and media outlets. The choice of materials and construction techniques must therefore take into account both aesthetic considerations and practical requirements. The story of the Met Gala 2025 carpet is a reminder of the intricate details and collaborative efforts that go into creating such a large-scale event. It is a story of skilled craftsmanship, global collaboration, and the dedication to achieving perfection. Neytt Homes' contribution to the Met Gala is a source of pride for India and a testament to the country's growing influence on the world of fashion and design.
The selection of Neytt Homes, a Kerala-based brand, for the third consecutive year to create the Met Gala carpet underscores their consistent commitment to quality and innovation. This consistency is crucial in an event as high-profile as the Met Gala, where every detail is scrutinized and contributes to the overall spectacle. The brand's ability to adapt and evolve their designs to match the evolving themes of the Met Gala demonstrates their versatility and their deep understanding of the intersection between fashion, art, and culture. Sivan Santhosh's quote about the carpet feeling like "more than just a fabric" encapsulates the artistic and cultural significance of the project. The carpet is not merely a functional element but a vibrant thread in the tapestry of the Met Gala, contributing to the overall narrative and aesthetic experience. This perspective highlights the importance of viewing the carpet as a work of art in its own right, rather than simply a decorative accessory. The emphasis on using natural sisal fiber sourced from Madagascar is also noteworthy. This choice of material reflects a growing trend towards sustainability in the fashion industry, as brands increasingly prioritize environmentally friendly practices. Sisal is a renewable resource that requires minimal processing and is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. By using sisal, Neytt Homes is not only creating a beautiful and durable carpet but also contributing to a more responsible and ethical fashion ecosystem. The involvement of 480 people across different departments in the carpet's creation highlights the significant economic impact of the project. The manufacturing process provides employment opportunities for skilled artisans and craftspeople in Kerala, contributing to the local economy and preserving traditional weaving techniques. This underscores the importance of supporting and investing in local businesses that prioritize sustainable practices and community development. The hand-painting of the carpet in New York City adds another layer of artistic collaboration to the project. This step allows for the integration of different cultural perspectives and creative visions, resulting in a unique and visually stunning final product. The collaboration between artisans in Kerala and artists in New York City exemplifies the global nature of the fashion industry and the power of cross-cultural exchange. The theme of the Met Gala 2025, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," is significant in its recognition and celebration of Black culture's influence on fashion. By highlighting Dandyism, a menswear style and code of conduct prevalent in Black culture during the 18th and 19th centuries, the Met Gala is acknowledging the historical and ongoing contributions of Black designers, artists, and innovators to the world of fashion. The carpet design, as a visual representation of the gala's theme, plays a crucial role in conveying this message and creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all attendees. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute's spring 2025 exhibition, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," further reinforces the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black style and its impact on the fashion industry. This exhibition provides a platform for showcasing the work of Black designers and artists, educating the public about the history and significance of Black fashion, and promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the industry. The Met Gala, as a fundraising event for the Costume Institute, plays a vital role in supporting these initiatives and ensuring that Black voices are heard and celebrated. The Met Gala carpet, therefore, is not just a decorative element but a symbol of cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusion.
In conclusion, the story of the Met Gala 2025 carpet is a compelling narrative that encompasses elements of global collaboration, skilled craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural appreciation. The selection of Neytt Homes, a Kerala-based brand, to create the carpet for the third consecutive year speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and their ability to consistently meet the exacting standards of the Met Gala. The intricate manufacturing process, involving 480 people and the use of natural sisal fiber from Madagascar, highlights the significant human effort and environmental considerations that go into creating such a large-scale project. The hand-painting of the carpet in New York City adds another layer of artistic collaboration, bringing together different cultural perspectives and creative visions. The theme of the Met Gala 2025, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black culture's influence on fashion, and the carpet design plays a crucial role in conveying this message and creating an inclusive atmosphere. The Met Gala carpet, therefore, is not merely a decorative element but a symbol of cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusion. It represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and creativity, and it serves as a visual reminder of the power of fashion to unite people and celebrate diversity. The success of the Met Gala 2025 carpet project is a testament to the importance of supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainable practices and community development. By investing in companies like Neytt Homes, we can help to preserve traditional craftsmanship, create employment opportunities, and promote a more responsible and ethical fashion ecosystem. The Met Gala, as a high-profile event, has a responsibility to use its platform to promote these values and inspire others to follow suit. The Met Gala carpet also serves as an example of how fashion can be used as a tool for cultural diplomacy. By bringing together artisans, artists, and designers from different countries and cultures, the project fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes mutual respect. This is particularly important in today's interconnected world, where global collaboration is essential for addressing the challenges facing humanity. The Met Gala, as a global event, has a unique opportunity to bridge cultural divides and promote peace and understanding through the power of fashion. The story of the Met Gala 2025 carpet is also a reminder of the importance of paying attention to the details. Every aspect of the project, from the choice of materials to the weaving technique to the hand-painting, was carefully considered and executed to perfection. This attention to detail is what sets the Met Gala apart from other events and what makes it such a memorable and impactful experience for all involved. The Met Gala carpet, therefore, is a symbol of excellence and a testament to the power of meticulous craftsmanship. In conclusion, the Met Gala 2025 carpet is a multifaceted and meaningful creation that embodies the values of global collaboration, skilled craftsmanship, sustainability, cultural appreciation, and attention to detail. It serves as a visual representation of the Met Gala's commitment to excellence and its role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural understanding. The story of the carpet is a testament to the power of fashion to unite people and inspire positive change in the world.