From Kerala To The Met: Neytt’s Masterpiece Carpet Weaves India into Fashion’s Grandest Stage

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Neytt by Extraweave, based in Cherthala, in Alappuzha district of Kerala, has once again created the carpet for the Met Gala, marking their fourth time contributing to the iconic event.

The Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 4, is one of the biggest fashion nights of the year. It not only raises funds for the museum but also marks the opening of the Costume Institute's spring exhibition.

For 2026’s ‘Fashion is Art’ theme, they produced a massive 73,625-square-foot white base made from hand-sorted Madagascar sisal fibre in a bouclé weave.

Shipped months ahead to New York, the carpet was later painted by artists under strict no-phone rules. This showcase puts South Indian weaving traditions on one of fashion’s biggest stages.

Co-founders Sivan Santhosh and Nimisha Srinivas have built the brand on sustainable materials like sisal, lyocell, and upcycled fishing nets, employing 98% local artisans. Their work challenges the dominance of North Indian weaving hubs, proving Kerala’s coir and sisal crafts can stand alongside global luxury standards, with each Met Gala commission strengthening their sustainable-luxury reputation in high fashion.

Making the Met Gala carpet is a massive effort, with 500 artisans working for 90 days to create 57 rolls, each 4 metres wide and 30 metres long. The weave is tightened to withstand stilettos and prevent snags, with several prototypes and rejections before the final approval. The finished carpet acts as a ‘blank canvas’ for artists, so getting the base material just right is key.

For its creators, the carpet is far more than a surface—it’s where every story begins. Being part of the Met Gala for the fourth time is deeply special. From its origins in Kerala, shaped by skilled hands, it becomes the stage for some of the world’s most powerful displays of fashion and identity.

Since 2022, Neytt has created unique carpets for different Met Gala themes, ranging from bold red-and-blue stripes to intricate floral patterns. This track record has made them a regular presence at one of fashion’s biggest nights, sparking the possibility of more collaborations between global luxury events and Indian artisans. Their ongoing involvement reflects a growing appreciation for traditional craftsmanship in modern cultural showcases.

Over the years, stars like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, Alia Bhatt, and Kiara Advani have showcased India on the global stage, leaving audiences in awe.

Meanwhile, an Indian brand has been quietly making its mark too, earning the country pride by rolling out red carpets for fashion’s biggest night.