At the prestigious Met Gala event this year, Mindy Kaling turned heads with her dazzling presence in a bespoke beige sculptural gown designed by Indian fashion maestro Gaurav Gupta. Dubbed “The Melting Flower of Time,” the intricately textured ensemble garnered widespread admiration, with Kaling herself praising Gupta as a “genius” during an interview with Vogue on the red carpet.
However, amidst the accolades, eagle-eyed netizens couldn’t help but notice striking similarities between Kaling’s attire and a previous creation worn by Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022. Both outfits were crafted by Gaurav Gupta, with Rai Bachchan’s pink gown, inspired by a seashell, serving as the original design for Kaling’s version, which drew inspiration from the Met Gala’s floral theme.
The controversy was ignited when popular Instagram handle Diet Sabya, known for its vigilant scrutiny of the fashion industry, shared a side-by-side comparison of Aishwarya and Mindy donning similar Gaurav Gupta designs, accompanied by the caption “Gutsss.”
Subsequently, social media platforms were abuzz with comments highlighting the resemblance between the two ensembles. While some users expressed admiration for Aishwarya’s iconic representation on the global stage, others criticized Kaling’s interpretation, labeling it as lackluster and ill-suited for the esteemed event.
In response to the criticism, Kaling defended her choice of attire, expressing pride in representing talented individuals from her community. Describing the intricate cape of her gown as resembling a melting flower, she emphasized her appreciation for Gupta’s creative vision.
The controversy surrounding Mindy Kaling’s Met Gala outfit underscores the nuances of cultural representation and artistic interpretation in the world of fashion. As discussions continue to unfold on social media platforms, the incident serves as a reminder of the intersecting realms of creativity, identity, and public perception in the global fashion landscape.
