Kiara Advani looked mysterious at the 2025 Met Gala, solidifying herself as an international fashion influencer. Wrapped in a lavish, pearl-encrusted couture evening dress with an ethereal train and corset bodice design, she had surely made heads turn at the event.
That being said, while her regally gorgeous ensemble initially drew admiration on the red carpet, it quickly evolved into outright debate on social media. Bollywood stars and fashion enthusiasts alike could not help but draw instant parallels with the Met Gala and Cannes fashion of her peers Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai.
What could have been a celebratory event for Kiara has now been turned into an online hot point some applauding her refinement, others questioning the originality of her fashion. Has Kiara done her ancestors proud, or did she allow her appearance veer too close to the imitation?
A Closer Look at Kiara’s 2025 Met Gala Ensemble
Kiara’s dress was especially created by one of the leading international fashion brands known for creating dramatic silhouettes and minute embroidery. Off-white, the pearl-embellished number featured layers of tulle, an off-the-shoulder, structured collar, and soft floral embroidery that gave it a romantic, antique look.

It was complemented with minimal jewellery and sleek hair, allowing the dress to be the center of attention. From a strictly fashion point of view, Kiara aced the red carpet assignment. Her appearance was elegant, lavish, and entirely on point. But the minute photos of her dress appeared online, comparisons began pouring in.
The Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Reference Points
Audiences were quick to note that Kiara’s dress resembled Alia Bhatt’s first Met Gala look in 2023, when Alia appeared in a white pearl-embellished gown by Prabal Gurung. Alia’s appearance at the time had been complimented for its Karl Lagerfeld tribute and was a viral fashion moment in itself. The similarity in pearl detailing, colour scheme, and styling between the two looks did not escape notice.
Furthermore, other social media users pointed out that the grandeur of the gown and the floral inspiration were reminiscent of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s over-the-top looks at Cannes, especially her 2018 butterfly-shaped Michael Cinco gown and her 2022 black floral outfit. These comparisons only took off with side-by-side images going viral online.
Netizens React: “Why Recreate?”
Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit were full of opinions, ranging from congratulatory to extremely critical. Although most fans appreciated Kiara’s performance on the global red carpet, others berated the attire for not being creative. The phrase “Why recreate?” trended for a short while on X (formerly Twitter), where users argued over whether the resemblance was coincidental, inspired, or on the verge of copying.
Some fashion fans defended Kiara on the grounds that fashion is in cycles and inspiration tends to have a large influence on design. Others felt, though, that with the global spotlight that comes with the Met Gala, originality should have taken precedence.
Celebrity Styling in the Age of Comparison
This moment also highlights a larger problem in celebrity fashion: the pressure for every red carpet look to be not only fashionable but also unique. In the era of social media, celebrities are instantly analyzed, compared, and criticized. An outfit that is even vaguely similar to another runs the risk of being called unoriginal or copied.
Kiara’s team, too, has not made any statement so far regarding the online buzz, nor has the dress designer opened up about the comparisons yet. Whether it was intended as a tribute or not is uncertain.
The Pressure on Indian Celebs at Global Events
Kiara is not the first Indian star to have been under such scrutiny during a big international fashion event. From Priyanka Chopra’s much-debated trench-coat gown in 2017 to Deepika Padukone’s much-compared Cannes outfits, Indian actors tend to tread that tightrope between representing and reimagining. With the burden of expectation to deliver daring and innovative fashion statements growing larger every year, the pressure is overwhelming.

For Kiara, who is only comparatively new to the international fashion world, the comparison can be taken both as a compliment and a lesson. Being equated with Alia and Aishwarya two of India’s most well-known international fashion icons is a measure in itself of growing stature. The critique, however, also suggests a need for more risk-taking and individuation.
What Fashion Critics Had to Say
Prominent fashion critics were also divided. While some praised Kiara’s poise and the technical execution of the gown, others echoed the public sentiment about the lack of uniqueness. A stylist for a popular fashion magazine wrote, “Kiara looked breathtaking, no doubt. But the déjà vu was hard to shake off. We’ve seen this aesthetic on Alia and Aishwarya, and the timing made it more noticeable.”
Another fashion editor contended, “Kiara is creating her global reputation. Comparing herself to classic looks isn’t always a bad thing. It could be a good idea to place herself on the same level as those names.”
Final Thoughts: Inspiration or Imitation?
Ultimately, Kiara Advani’s 2025 Met Gala appearance was a powerful fashion moment one that made waves, sparked conversations, and placed her firmly in the spotlight. Whether it was an unintentional resemblance or a respectful nod to Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai, it succeeded in getting people talking.
Read More :- Indian Billionaire Imprisoned in Dubai: Balvinder Singh Sahni Sentenced for Money Laundering
In an era of comparison-obsessed fashion, there’s no getting around similarities popping up. But ultimately, how a celebrity styles a look often can be every bit as important as the look itself and in that regard, Kiara got it right with poise and confidence.
As she continues to be present at more global events, everyone will be watching how she develops her style and whether she will opt to make more daring, more original moves on the world stage.
FAQs:-
Which Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai looks are being referenced in the comparisons?
Alia’s 2023 white pearl ensemble and Aishwarya’s dramatic floral Cannes gowns are cited as visual influences in Kiara’s look.
Why is Kiara Advani’s 2025 Met Gala look being compared to Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai?
Netizens noticed similarities in the silhouette, embellishments, and styling with gowns previously worn by Alia and Aishwarya at past Met Galas and Cannes events.
What did fans say about Kiara’s 2025 Met Gala outfit?
Reactions were mixed some praised her beauty while others questioned the originality, asking “Why recreate?” on social media.