Priya Ahluwalia at the Met Gala

Priya Ahluwalia’s debut at the 2025 Met Gala, dressing Olympic medallist Gabby Thomas and BAFTA-winning actor Aimee Lou Wood, marked a significant moment for her as a designer and for British fashion more broadly. It demonstrated how fashion can communicate complex, deeply personal narratives through precise, contemporary design.

The theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, was interpreted through two bespoke looks that reflected Priya’s commitment to heritage, identity, and cultural storytelling. Gabby Thomas wore a hand-embellished silk gown inspired by 1920s Harlem elegance and the grace of elite athleticism. Aimee Lou Wood’s tailored ensemble referenced the radical aesthetics of the Congolese Dandy, complete with sculptural silk lapels and floral symbolism tied to Nigeria and Congo.

As one of her tutors on the MA Menswear course at the University of Westminster, I saw early on how Priya combined strong technical ability with a clear design voice rooted in personal and cultural narratives. It’s no surprise to see her work resonate so powerfully on a global stage, she’s built a practice that is as thoughtful as it is visually arresting.