There are few honours more visible, more universal, than a nod from The New York Times. On 9 December 2025, that nod came — loud and clear — for none other than Shah Rukh Khan. The Bollywood legend was named among the “67 Most Stylish People of 2025”, and with him, Indian fashion claimed a bold triumph on the world’s stage.
🎯 Why This Recognition Matters
- First‑time Met Gala guest, global spotlight: Shah Rukh’s red‑carpet debut at the 2025 Met Gala — often described as the Oscars of fashion — didn’t just make headlines in India; it caught the gaze of global tastemakers. The New York Times remarked that he “brought the Met Gala into his orbit” — a testament to both his star power and broad appeal.
- The only Indian on the list: In a roster of 67 names featuring global icons from film, music, sports and fashion, Shah Rukh stands out as the sole Indian entrant — underscoring the significance of this cultural milestone.
- A moment for Indian fashion on the world map: His inclusion reflects more than personal style; it highlights the growing global appetite for Indian design sensibilities, especially at high‑fashion platforms.
The Look That Made the List
At the heart of this recognition was Shah Rukh’s striking look at the 2025 Met Gala — a bespoke creation by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Their collaboration delivered a powerful fusion of classic tailoring and regal drama:
- A floor‑length, single‑breasted coat in Tasmanian superfine wool with monogrammed Japanese horn buttons — sharp tailoring grounded in sophistication.
- Underneath: a crepe‑de‑chine silk shirt and tailored wool trousers, complemented by a pleated satin kamarbandh for subtle flair.
- Accessories that made a statement: a custom stack of chokers and chains, including a pendant engraved with the letter “K”, plus ornate rings and a majestic tiger‑head walking cane.
The overall persona wasn’t just “dressed up for an event” — it was regal, theatrical, global, and unapologetically bold. His look didn’t just follow the “black‑tailoring” theme of the Gala; it re‑interpreted it with a character all his own.
What This Means for Bollywood & Indian Fashion
🌍 India on the Global Fashion Map
Shah Rukh’s appearance on such a prestigious list signals a broader shift: Indian actors and designers can — and will — shape global style narratives. For years, Indian cinema has been known for its storytelling, music, glamour — now, it’s staking a claim on global couture.
🧥 Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Rather than defaulting to traditional Indian wear, the stylistic choice was classic menswear with a luxe, theatrical twist — showing that Indian identity in fashion is evolving beyond stereotypical tropes. It’s bold, elegant, universal.
🎬 For the Actor: Reinvention & Legacy
At 60 years old and with a career spanning decades, this isn’t just another achievement — it’s a reinvention. For someone so entrenched in Bollywood’s legacy, this global recognition underscores his continuing relevance, charisma, and versatility.
Reaction & Resonance
Fans, critics, fashion‑insiders — reactions have skewed overwhelmingly positive. Celebrities like him rarely walk the Met carpet for the first time and walk away with a place on a global “style pantheon.” It’s not just about one suit or one red‑carpet night — it’s about making a loud, confident statement: Indian glamour belongs on the world stage.
