British Museum Plans London Met Gala Rival Ball with South Asian Fashion Focus

The British Museum is set to launch its inaugural British Museum Ball on October 18, 2025, positioning it as a glamorous cultural event akin to New York's Met Gala. Chaired by Isha Ambani Piramal alongside museum director Nicholas Cullinan and the Trustees, the ball will celebrate London's status as a major cultural capital, coinciding with the closing of Frieze London and the BFI London Film Festival. The event will feature a star-studded guest list including Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, and Naomi Campbell, with designers like Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra showcasing bespoke South Asian creations, highlighting Indian craftsmanship on a global stage. Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, dinner among museum artifacts, and a silent auction to support the museum, with a pink-themed aesthetic inspired by the closing Ancient India exhibition. This new London gala aims to establish itself as a key highlight on the international social calendar, blending heritage, haute couture, and philanthropy in a setting that rivals the exclusivity and cultural significance of the Met Gala. The British Museum Ball is described as a potential usurper of the Met Gala's prominence, underscoring its ambition to become a defining event in the world of global fashion and art.