Mona Patel made a bold statement at the 2025 Met Gala. Dressed in a custom Thom Browne suit and accompanied by a robotic dog named Vector, she turned heads the moment she stepped on the red carpet.
Honoring the Theme in Style
This year’s Met Gala theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, with a dress code of “Tailored For You.” Patel chose a sharp, custom-made outfit by American designer Thom Browne. Her look featured a tailored suit, a dramatic cape, and a corset-style bodice—all perfectly blending elegance and power.
“I like to call it couture drag,” Mona Patel said. “We mixed classic menswear with a touch of femininity.” Her outfit included a halter shirt peeking through the suit and a corset hand-embroidered by skilled Indian craftsmen. The suit also had flowing silk panels that moved beautifully as she walked.
Layers of Meaning
The outfit was mostly black, but the ivory lining on the inside added depth and highlighted the multiple layers. The standout detail was a black beaded corset, laced over the skirt, which cinched her waist and added sparkle and texture.
Patel and Browne worked closely together, blending her Indian heritage into the design. “While other little girls were playing dress-up in their mom’s heels, I was in my dad’s suits,” Patel shared. “They were too big for me, but they made me feel powerful.”
Meet Vector: The Robotic Dog
One of the most surprising—and delightful—parts of Patel’s look was her robotic companion, Vector. Created by engineers at MIT, Vector was inspired by Thom Browne’s famous dachshund, Hector. But this version was fully robotic, dressed in a tiny tuxedo, and wore a leash decorated with a 1,000-carat diamond!
“Vector was programmed with sensors, special movement patterns, and just enough sass to steal the show,” Patel joked. “He was ready to outshine me at any moment.”
Finishing Touches
Patel completed her look with black stiletto pumps from Rene Caovilla, which sparkled to match the detailed corset. Her makeup was elegant and modern—a soft smoky eye and nude lips—paired with an old-Hollywood hairstyle.
A Star Returns
After her memorable Met Gala debut in 2024 wearing Iris Van Herpen, Mona Patel was labeled a “mystery guest to watch.” This year, she returned stronger than ever, making a bold fashion statement that combined technology, culture, and style.
Looking back on the creative process, Patel said it felt like something between a fashion workshop and a sci-fi film. “There were 3D-printed hats everywhere, wires, robotic parts—it was wild,” she said. “But that’s the Met Gala for you. It’s not truly glamorous unless it’s a little crazy too.”
