The “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” gala had a Garden of Time dress code based on a short story by J.G. Ballard of the same name, per Vogue. Celebrities interpreted the dress code differently, with some gravitating toward floral patterns while others focused on incorporating time into their looks.
But one of the best takes came from Mona Patel, a philanthropist and entrepreneur who made her Met Gala debut. So who is she, and what do we know about the relative unknown who almost stole the show?
Mona Patel is an entrepreneur
Mona Patel has founded eight companies during her career so far. Photo: @hautemona/Instagram
As she shared on her Haute Mona website, Patel has founded eight companies throughout her career, including fashion, property and tech ventures – which she launched after moving from India to the US for university.
For instance, her website states she’s working on a health-tech start-up called RadXai that leverages AI to support healthcare professionals who use imaging, such as radiologists. And a hallmark of her work is Couture For Cause, a non-profit that uses fashion to support girls worldwide. She also earned a spot on the Forbes Next 1,000 list of “upstart entrepreneurs” in 2021.
She wore a custom Iris van Herpen gown for the Met Gala
Mona Patel in her Iris Van Herpen dress with moving butterfly wings on her arms. Photo: Getty Images via Agence France-Presse
Patel’s work in the fashion world led her to the 2024 Met Gala, where she arrived in a custom Iris van Herpen couture gown.
“I wanted my debut look to be something that celebrates my heritage and also combines my love of couture, and when I heard of the theme, Iris van Herpen seemed like the obvious choice,” Patel told Vogue India of how she came to work with the designer.
The oatmeal-hued dress hugged Patel’s figure before flaring out around her ankles. The skirt was floor-length in the back, with oversized scallops shaped like wings, while a scooped cut-out created a high-low look in the front of the gown.
Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen created Mona Patel’s stunning Met Gala dress. Photo: @irisvanherpen/Instagram
It had a strapless neckline, and the corset bodice was designed to look like butterfly wings both in shape and through the detailing covering the gown. Textured, semi-sheer lace covered the sides of the dress. Vogue India reported the dress was hand-embroidered in India.
Winged arm cuffs designed by Casey Curran that looked like an array of butterflies floating down Patel’s arms drove home the motif, and they moved as she walked down the red carpet.
The train was fully displayed as Patel climbed the Met’s steps, cascading behind her in layers.
Fashion powerhouse Law Roach was Patel’s stylist
Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach announced said last year he was retiring after “the politics, the lies and false narratives finally got me” – but made a comeback for the Met Gala. Photo: EPA-EFE
Law Roach, Zendaya’s long-time stylist, served as Patel’s stylist – or “image architect” as he calls his job – for the look. Roach famously said he retired from celebrity styling in 2023, and he’s been more selective than ever about who he collaborates with since that announcement.
Patel wore simple drop earrings and an updo styled by Chris Martin and Edgar Martin with the look, keeping the focus on the gown.
Mona Patel’s dress had a corset bodice designed to look like butterfly wings. Photo: @hautemona/Instagram
The Met Gala newbie made a splash at the event, with many social media users wondering who she was as photos of her look started circulating online. By standing out on fashion’s biggest night, Patel skyrocketed herself into “It” girl status – and the world will certainly know her name by the time she unveils her next red carpet look.
