Kiara Advani Trolled for “Copying” Aishwarya Rai’s Iconic Look at the Met Gala: A Fashion Controversy Unfolds

Bollywood actress Kiara Advani has found herself at the center of a heated social media debate following her much-anticipated debut at the 2025 Met Gala. While many praised her glamorous appearance and graceful confidence—particularly as she proudly flaunted her baby bump on the red carpet—others were quick to draw unflattering comparisons between her outfit and a previous look worn by none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The internet, never slow to react, exploded with accusations that Kiara had “copied” Aishwarya Rai’s show-stopping gown from the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. Though both ensembles were designed by celebrated Indian couturier Gaurav Gupta, fans and critics alike were divided over whether the resemblance was a case of inspiration or imitation.

The Met Gala Moment

Kiara Advani, glowing and radiant, arrived at the 2025 Met Gala in a dramatic black-and-white couture gown by Gaurav Gupta. The gown featured sculptural waves, a sweeping train, and an elegant off-shoulder neckline—elements that made it instantly memorable. The look was a powerful blend of avant-garde fashion and maternal grace, perfectly aligned with the evening’s theme of “Chaos & Creation.”

This marked a major milestone for Kiara, who is currently pregnant with her first child with husband Sidharth Malhotra. Her decision to walk the Met Gala red carpet while embracing her pregnancy was widely praised as bold and empowering. However, as images began circulating online, many viewers quickly pointed out the gown’s similarity to another Gupta creation worn by Aishwarya Rai.

The Aishwarya Rai Comparison

In 2022, Aishwarya Rai wore a dramatic, floral-textured, pale pink Gaurav Gupta gown to the Cannes Film Festival. That look, with its exaggerated shoulder detailing, corseted bodice, and flowing train, became one of her most celebrated fashion statements in recent years. Designed to resemble a blooming flower, the gown was praised globally for its innovation and elegance.

Online critics were quick to point out that Kiara’s Met Gala gown appeared to echo many of the same design elements—sculptural architecture, sweeping asymmetry, and a bold, ethereal aesthetic. Some social media users dubbed Kiara’s gown “Aishwarya’s 2.0,” while others claimed Gupta had recycled his own iconic design without adding enough originality.

A few harsh comments read:

“She really thought we wouldn’t notice?”

“No matter how hard you try, you can’t outdo the queen.”

“It’s giving Aishwarya did it first energy.”

The Designer’s Signature or a Fashion Faux Pas?

Fashion experts, however, have defended the similarities by emphasizing that designers often have a recognizable style that evolves over time. Gaurav Gupta is known for his futuristic silhouettes, architectural draping, and grandiose forms—elements that have appeared in his collections over the years, worn by global stars like Cardi B, Mary J. Blige, and Aishwarya herself.

Fashion analyst Namrata Joshi explained in a Vogue interview:

“Gaurav Gupta has a very specific design language. These gowns may have similarities, but they also have clear differences in texture, structure, and context. Kiara’s version is more minimal and modern, while Aishwarya’s was deeply rooted in fantasy couture.”

Moreover, some argued that comparing the two women was unfair. Both actresses have different body types, personalities, and fashion sensibilities—and both carried the gowns with their own distinct flair.

A Moment Overshadowed?

For Kiara Advani, this Met Gala debut should have been a celebration. Dressed in a high-concept gown, walking among international celebrities, and proudly showcasing her pregnancy—it was a moment of triumph. However, the backlash and trolling on social media have taken some of the spotlight away from what was, in many ways, a powerful statement.

Despite the negative commentary, Kiara has not issued a public response. Known for her composure and elegance, the actress has always maintained a dignified silence in the face of criticism. Her fans, on the other hand, have come to her defense, calling the backlash “unfair” and “another example of tearing down successful women.”

Final Thoughts: Fashion, Femininity, and Fierce Opinions

The world of fashion is no stranger to repetition, inspiration, and controversy. Designers build on their past work, reinterpret ideas, and evolve with the times. Celebrities become muses, and trends inevitably circle back. In that context, it becomes difficult to draw a clear line between homage and imitation.

What remains undeniable is that both Kiara Advani and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have played pivotal roles in taking Indian fashion to global platforms. Their presence at international events like the Met Gala and Cannes not only elevates Indian designers but also redefines how Indian women are seen in the world of couture and culture.

As this debate continues to unfold online, perhaps the takeaway is this: multiple women can shine without diminishing each other’s light. Both looks can be iconic. Both women can be radiant. And maybe, just maybe, fashion doesn’t always have to be a competition.