Met Gala 2024: Indian Origin Entrepreneur Goes Viral For Her Stunning Dress
The 2024 Met Gala unfolded with its signature blend of glamour and creativity, as celebrities graced the red carpet in a myriad of breathtaking ensembles. This year’s event marked the return of fashion’s biggest night, celebrating the Costume Institute’s upcoming exhibition titled ‘Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion’. With the theme inspired by J.G. Ballard’s short story ‘The Garden of Time’, guests showcased their interpretation of the theme through their sartorial choices.
Central to the exhibition are 250 historically significant pieces, known as the ‘sleeping beauties’, which symbolize the timeless allure of fashion. These pieces, too delicate to be worn again, include original designs by iconic figures such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hubert de Givenchy.
Among the notable attendees at the Met Gala was Mona Patel, an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, known online as Haute Mona. Patel captured the spotlight with her ethereal ensemble featuring moving butterflies cascading down her arms, perfectly complementing the theme of ‘The Garden of Time’. While her presence on the red carpet captivated social media, many were intrigued by the mystery surrounding her identity.
Quickly unraveling the mystery, it was revealed that Patel, a native of Vadodara, Gujarat, had risen to prominence through her entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic endeavors. Having relocated to the United States for higher education, Patel established herself as a successful businesswoman, founding multiple enterprises and a venture capital firm, HauteX Ventures. Her journey culminated in the creation of Couture For Cause, a non-profit organization that merges fashion and philanthropy to support meaningful causes.
For her Met Gala debut, Patel donned a striking ensemble by Iris van Herpen, renowned for her avant-garde designs that blur the boundaries between art and fashion. Collaborating with stylist Law Roach, Patel meticulously curated her look, infusing elements of her Indian heritage with high-fashion couture. The result was a mesmerizing nude gown adorned with a butterfly-shaped corset and a cascading train, symbolizing the theme of nature’s timeless beauty.
Embodying the theme of ‘The Garden of Time’, Patel’s ensemble featured kinetic butterflies encircling her arms, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. With months of preparation and attention to detail, Patel and Roach embarked on a journey to India to procure the finest materials and craft the perfect silhouette for her Met Gala appearance. From selecting red carpet-worthy jewels to discussing Gujarati cuisine, their collaboration epitomized the meticulous planning behind every iconic red carpet moment.
Reflecting on her debut at the Met Gala, Patel expressed her desire to celebrate her heritage while showcasing her love for couture fashion. Her choice of Iris van Herpen’s visionary designs underscored her commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation in the world of fashion.
As Haute Mona dazzled on the red carpet, her presence epitomized the spirit of the Met Gala – a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the enduring allure of fashion.
