The Miss World 2025 pageant, currently underway in Hyderabad, India, has been embroiled in controversy following the withdrawal of Miss England, Milla Magee. Magee, a 24-year-old lifeguard and CPR advocate from Newquay, Cornwall, cited feelings of exploitation and objectification as reasons for her departure.(The Sun)
Allegations by Milla Magee
Magee reported being compelled to wear ball gowns throughout the day and being asked to entertain middle-aged businessmen as a gesture of gratitude for their financial support, which she likened to feeling like a “performing monkey” and “prostitute.” She also described instances where organizers clapped in contestants’ faces to command attention, treating them disrespectfully. Magee had previously advocated for modernizing beauty contests by replacing the swimsuit round with assessments focused on essential skills like CPR. After quitting on May 16, she returned to Cornwall, and runner-up Charlotte Grant, Miss Liverpool, took her place. (New York Post)
Responses from Miss World Organization and Telangana Government
In response to Magee’s allegations, the Miss World Organization released footage showing her appearing content during the event, suggesting that her departure was due to a family emergency. Magee countered this claim, stating that she fabricated the emergency to escape an uncomfortable and inappropriate environment. She criticized the unauthorized release of the footage, claiming it misrepresented her experience.
The Telangana government conducted an internal inquiry into the allegations. Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan stated that CCTV footage from the events contradicted Magee’s claims, showing no inappropriate interactions. He described her allegations as “fabricated and highly exaggerated.” (mint)
Broader Controversies Surrounding Miss World 2025
The pageant has faced additional controversies beyond Magee’s withdrawal:
Financial Criticism: The Telangana government’s decision to host the event, reportedly costing ₹200 crore, has been criticized by the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) amid the state’s financial distress. BRS leaders questioned the state’s priorities, especially when crucial financial obligations remain unmet.
Cultural Opposition: Activist groups and organizations like the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) have demanded the cancellation of the pageant, arguing that it commodifies women and undermines their dignity. They criticized the event for promoting outdated beauty standards and serving the interests of cosmetic companies.
Political Tensions: The Bajrang Dal opposed the event amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, arguing that hosting a beauty pageant during a “war-like situation” was inappropriate and disrespectful to national sentiments.
As the Miss World 2025 pageant approaches its conclusion on May 31, these controversies continue to spark discussions about the relevance and ethical considerations of international beauty competitions.
At the 2025 Met Gala, Natasha Poonawalla captivated the spotlight with a masterful fusion of heritage and haute couture, embodying dandyism in its most opulent form. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, she donned a bespoke Manish Malhotra creation that reimagined the theme through the prism of Indian craftsmanship. The ensemble’s pièce de résistance was a sculpted fishtail skirt, meticulously crafted from two vintage Parsi Gara saris—one a century-old archival treasure. The fabric, a tapestry of hand-embroidered silken threads, paid homage to the rich legacy of Indian artistry.
Complementing the skirt was a corset-cummerbund paired with a delicate vintage French lace bralette, edged in scalloped pearls—an embodiment of dandyism, where structured form meets understated luxury. This ensemble not only celebrated Natasha’s Parsi heritage but also redefined the boundaries of sartorial elegance, merging tradition with avant-garde flair.(The Times of India)
Expecting her first child, Kiara Advani made a groundbreaking debut at the 2025 Met Gala, becoming the first Indian actor to grace the iconic steps with her baby bump. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, she donned a sculptural black gown by Gaurav Gupta, featuring an antique gold breastplate adorned with ghungroos and crystals. At its heart, the breastplate depicted two intertwined hearts—mother and child—connected by an abstract umbilical cord, symbolizing the transformative journey of motherhood.
A white satin train with black trim cascaded from the gown, adding contrast and elegance. Advani described the ensemble, titled ‘Bravehearts,’ as a tribute to this pivotal phase in her life, aligning beautifully with the gala’s theme, ‘Tailored for You.’
She complemented the look with gold rings, bold earrings, and an ear cuff from Outhouse Jewellery and Wrapgame India. Her accessories included a 17-carat pear-shaped diamond piece and 5-carat heart-shaped diamond earrings by Kantilal Chhotalal, harmonizing with the gown’s gold accents. Her wavy hair, pinned back, and smoky eye makeup provided the perfect finishing touches to this avant-garde maternity ensemble.
For the 2025 Met Gala’s theme, “Tailored for You,” Priyanka Chopra made a striking statement in custom Balmain by Olivier Rousteing, blending the sharp lines of traditional menswear with high-octane feminine glamour. The white halter-neck gown, adorned with black polka dots, was cinched at the waist with a slim belt and fastened with a line of black buttons—tailored, striking, and utterly fresh. Adding to the look’s structure, she layered a matching polka-dot blazer, tailored to perfection with a nipped-in waist and an elongated, sweeping hem.
Styled by Mimi Cuttrell, the ensemble nodded to the elegance of dandyism. A wide-brimmed black hat and matching gloves added a formal edge, evoking mid-century sophistication with just the right amount of theatrical flair.
The real drama, however, came from the jewellery. Chopra wore Bvlgari’s Magnus Emerald Necklace, part of the brand’s new Polychroma collection. The centrepiece was a whopping 241.06-carat faceted emerald—the largest ever set by Bvlgari—surrounded by a galaxy of shimmering diamonds. Bvlgari diamond earrings and an emerald ring finished the look.
For many, making a debut at the Met Gala would be a dream come true, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Mona Patel is living that dream.Styled by the renowned Law Roach, known for his work with Zendaya, Patel graced the red carpet in a custom Iris Van Herpen couture gown that seamlessly blended her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for fashion and philanthropy.
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, and now based in the U.S., Patel has built a million-dollar empire encompassing various businesses.At the heart of her ventures lies Couture For Cause, a non-profit organization that merges her love for fashion with her commitment to supporting meaningful causes.Through this initiative, she has raised significant funds by auctioning one-of-a-kind couture pieces, many from her personal archive, culminating in her invitation to the prestigious Met Gala 2024.
Patel’s gown was a masterpiece of design and innovation.The nude, floor-length sculpted dress featured a butterfly-shaped corset and a scalloped train, paying homage to the Met Gala’s theme, “The Garden of Time.”The standout feature, however, was the kinetic arm piece: a series of butterfly wings that fluttered in slow motion as she moved.This intricate addition was the brainchild of kinetic motion artist Casey Curran, who collaborated closely with Patel to bring her vision to life.The process was intense and collaborative, with the final piece completed just a day before its red carpet debut.www.ndtv.comBusiness Insider+9Telegraph India+9Vogue India+9The Independent
Patel’s appearance at the Met Gala was not just a fashion statement but a testament to her multifaceted talents and her ability to merge creativity with purpose. Her gown, a fusion of couture and innovation, captivated the fashion world and solidified her status as a rising star in both the entrepreneurial and fashion realms.
For fashion’s most illustrious evening, Isha Ambani made a resplendent entrance at the 2025 Met Gala, draped in a custom Anamika Khanna creation that seamlessly blended tradition with innovation. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the ensemble featured a black, white, and gold palette, with a fully embroidered waistcoat and a jacket boasting a structured collar. This sartorial masterpiece not only adhered to the “Tailored for You” dress code but also celebrated Indian heritage and global craftsmanship.
Khanna, renowned for modernizing Indian craft, incorporated influences from African textiles and various global traditions into the design, showcasing her signature blend of Indian textiles with contemporary silhouettes.
Shah Rukh Khan’s inaugural appearance at the Met Gala was a seamless extension of his enduring onscreen charisma and public iconography. Embracing the 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and the dress code “Tailored For You,” Khan’s ensemble by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee subtly connected the shared histories of Black and Indian dandyism—two traditions that reimagined tailoring.(People.com)
Mukherjee envisioned the look as a tribute to Khan’s global stature. “Shah Rukh Khan is one of the greatest superstars in the world. A cinematic hero, his blockbuster performances and leading-man charisma have created a legendary international fan following,” said Mukherjee. “My interpretation of the Black Dandy is demonstrating his stardom on a global stage.”
The ensemble featured a tailored, floor-length coat made from fine Tasmanian wool, accented with Japanese horn buttons, paired with a black silk shirt, tailored trousers, and a satin kamarbandh for added structure. His accessories included layered talismanic chains, a crystal-studded ‘K’ pendant, a diamond star brooch, multiple rings, and an 18k gold cane adorned with precious stones. The outfit incorporated Mughal-inspired elements and referenced royal Indian attire, using subtlety and symbolism instead of extravagant detailing. Khan’s refined appearance, combining traditional elegance with modern glamour, effectively captured the essence of the Met Gala’s theatrical spirit through understated yet powerful sartorial storytelling. (Vogue)
The ensemble featured a tailored, floor-length coat made from fine Tasmanian wool, accented with Japanese horn buttons, paired with a black silk shirt, tailored trousers, and a satin kamarbandh for added structure. His accessories included layered talismanic chains, a crystal-studded ‘K’ pendant, a diamond star brooch, multiple rings, and an 18k gold cane adorned with precious stones. The outfit incorporated Mughal-inspired elements and referenced royal Indian attire, using subtlety and symbolism instead of extravagant detailing. Khan’s refined appearance, combining traditional elegance with modern glamour, effectively captured the essence of the Met Gala’s theatrical spirit through understated yet powerful sartorial storytelling. (Vogue)
Diljit Dosanjh didn’t merely attend the 2025 Met Gala—he commanded it. Adorned in a custom Prabal Gurung ensemble and styled by Abhilasha Devnani, the Punjabi superstar seamlessly blended regal heritage with contemporary flair.
His attire featured an ivory and gold sherwani paired with a traditional tehmat (draped bottoms), layered beneath a sweeping cape embroidered with the map of Punjab. A feathered, jewel-studded turban crowned his look, while a layered diamond necklace by Golecha’s Jewels paid homage to the iconic Patiala necklace of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. A Panthère de Cartier watch peeked from under his sleeve as he glided across the carpet.
Eschewing the traditional Black Dandy walking stick, Dosanjh wielded a lion-headed, jewel-studded kirpan—a symbol of regal power and ferocity. His accessories included a Nature Sauvage Tigre bracelet with piercing emerald eyes, a Panthère de Cartier ring, and a Faune et Flore de Cartier bracelet in 18k yellow gold, adorned with emeralds and diamonds.
This ensemble not only showcased Dosanjh’s sartorial prowess but also celebrated the rich tapestry of Indian and Black dandyism, merging cultural heritage with high fashion.
At the 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, several Bollywood and Indian-origin celebrities made a significant impact on the red carpet, showcasing their unique styles and paying homage to Black dandyism. Here’s a closer look at their appearances:
🌟 Bollywood Celebrities at the 2025 Met Gala
Shah Rukh Khan
The Bollywood superstar made a grand entrance in a custom ensemble by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, marking his debut at the Met Gala. His outfit featured a floor-length wool coat paired with a silk shirt and wool trousers, complemented by a pleated satin kamarbandh, exuding a blend of traditional and contemporary styles.(Business News Today)
Kiara Advani
Kiara Advani stunned in a black and gold gown designed by Sabyasachi, featuring intricate embroidery and a structured silhouette. Her look paid tribute to Black dandyism while embracing modern elegance.
Diljit Dosanjh
The Punjabi singer-actor embraced the theme with a regal appearance in a white ensemble by Manish Malhotra, complete with a turban and statement jewelry, reflecting a fusion of cultural heritage and high fashion.
Isha Ambani
Isha Ambani, daughter of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, donned a couture sari-gown by designer Rahul Mishra, featuring a long floral train and intricate hand embroidery. Her outfit took over 10,000 hours to create, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.(The Hindu)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas made a striking appearance, unveiling a 241.06-carat emerald necklace by Bvlgari, the largest faceted gem ever set by the brand. Her ensemble highlighted her global fashion influence.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt, making her second Met Gala appearance, wore a custom-designed mint-green Sabyasachi sari with a 23-foot-long train, aligning with the theme ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’.(Vogue India)
Natasha Poonawalla
Socialite Natasha Poonawalla turned heads in a custom-made ensemble from Maison Margiela’s Artisanal Collection, curated by designer John Galliano. Her outfit featured a strapless bodycon dress adorned with transparent black ripped chiffon and a fluffy white cap with floral accents.(Pinkvilla)
These celebrities not only showcased their fashion sense but also honored the theme by incorporating elements of Black dandyism and cultural heritage into their ensembles. Their appearances at the Met Gala 2025 highlighted the growing global representation and influence of Indian fashion on international platforms.
For a visual recap and more detailed coverage, you might find this video insightful:
Let me know if you’d like more information on specific attendees or fashion highlights from the event!
Zendaya’s Grapes Detail: Zendaya’s off-the-shoulder striped gown by John Galliano for Maison Margiela featured subtle grape embellishments on the shoulder and hip, possibly nodding to the garden elements of the night’s dress code.Business Insider+1Business Insider+1
Teyana Taylor’s Velvet Tribute: Teyana Taylor’s Marc Jacobs ensemble paid homage to her song “Rose in Harlem” with engraved velvet phrases, blending personal artistry with fashion.Business Insider
Camila Cabello’s Melting Ice Block: Camila Cabello accessorized with an actual block of ice meant to melt as she walked, revealing a rose, symbolizing transformation and the passage of time.Business Insider+1Business Insider+1
👗 Vintage and Recycled Fashion Statements
Kendall Jenner’s 1999 Archive Dress: Kendall Jenner wore a vintage Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Couture dress from 1999, explaining she was the “first human” to wear it since it had only been displayed on a mannequin.Business Insider+1Business Insider+1
Demi Moore’s Vintage Wallpaper Gown: Demi Moore’s bold pink and black silk gown, designed by Harris Reed, was made from vintage wallpaper, showcasing a creative repurposing of materials.Business Insider+1Business Insider+1
🌟 Behind-the-Scenes Moments & Surprises
Zendaya’s Two-Look Reveal: Zendaya made a surprise second appearance in a Givenchy gown paired with an Alexander McQueen headpiece designed to look like a bouquet, utilizing a changing room at the top of the carpet to switch outfits.Business Insider+1Business Insider+1
Serena Williams’ Subtle Accessories: Serena Williams wore a Lacoste outfit complemented by subtle tennis ball-shaped diamond earrings, adding a personal touch to her ensemble.Business Insider
💎 Record-Breaking Jewelry Moments
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s 241-Carat Necklace: Priyanka Chopra Jonas unveiled a 241.06-carat emerald Bvlgari necklace, the largest faceted gem ever set by the brand, making a significant fashion statement.Business Insider
Maluma’s $5 Million Watch: Maluma accessorized with a $5 million emerald-encrusted watch by Jacob & Co., showcasing opulence and luxury.Business Insider
🌍 Historic Bollywood Representation
Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala Debut: Shah Rukh Khan made his Met Gala debut as the first Bollywood male actor to attend, wearing a custom ensemble designed by Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
Met Gala 2025, held on May 5, 2025, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City:
🎨 Theme & Dress Code
Theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
This exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, delves into Black dandyism and its cultural significance. It examines the role of clothing and style in forming Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, from the 18th century to the present day .(Time, People.com, Vogue Arabia)
Dress Code: Tailored for You
A nod to the exhibition’s focus on menswear, this dress code encouraged guests to embrace personal style through tailored silhouettes, reimagining the world of menswear .(Teen Vogue, Glamour UK)
Additionally, LeBron James served as an honorary co-chair .(W Magazine)
🌟 Highlights from the Red Carpet
Zendaya wore a chic white three-piece Louis Vuitton suit, channeling the elegance of Bianca Jagger .(Latest news & breaking headlines)
Rihanna made a striking appearance, showcasing her signature bold style .
Colman Domingo dazzled in a custom royal-blue Valentino cape, inspired by a freed slave’s dream to dance in blue superfine wool .(Business Insider)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas unveiled a 241.06-carat emerald Bvlgari necklace, the largest faceted gem ever set by the brand .(Business Insider)
Jodie Turner-Smith wore a dramatic red ensemble by Marc Jacobs, paying tribute to her song “Rose in Harlem” with engraved velvet phrases .(Business Insider)
👗 Fashion Tributes to Black Icons
Many attendees honored Black cultural icons through their attire:(People.com)
Zendaya chose a look reminiscent of Bianca Jagger .(People.com)
Quinta Brunson and Megan Thee Stallion honored Josephine Baker .(People.com)
Colman Domingo and Tyla drew inspiration from André Leon Talley .(People.com)
Keke Palmer paid homage to Dorothy Dandridge .(People.com)
Ava DuVernay honored her great-grandmother Annie Fisher, aligning family heritage with the theme’s celebration of dignified Black self-expression .(People.com)
🌍 Global Representation
Shah Rukh Khan made his Met Gala debut as the first Bollywood male actor to attend. He wore a custom ensemble designed by Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee .(Wikipedia)
Diana Ross wore a self-designed look referencing her role in Mahogany, adding a personal touch to the evening .(People.com)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas made history by unveiling a 241.06-carat emerald Bvlgari necklace, the largest faceted gem ever set by the brand .(Business Insider)
For more detailed coverage and photos from the event, you can explore the following articles:
