Who is Mona Patel, the unknown who stole the show at the Met Gala?

But one of the best takes came from Mona Patel, a philanthropist and entrepreneur who made her Met Gala debut. So who is she, and what do we know about the relative unknown who almost stole the show?

Mona Patel is an entrepreneur

As she shared on her Haute Mona website, Patel has founded eight companies throughout her career, including fashion, property and tech ventures – which she launched after moving from India to the US for university.

For instance, her website states she’s working on a health-tech start-up called RadXai that leverages AI to support healthcare professionals who use imaging, such as radiologists. And a hallmark of her work is Couture For Cause, a non-profit that uses fashion to support girls worldwide. She also earned a spot on the Forbes Next 1,000 list of “upstart entrepreneurs” in 2021.

She wore a custom Iris van Herpen gown for the Met Gala

The oatmeal-hued dress hugged Patel’s figure before flaring out around her ankles. The skirt was floor-length in the back, with oversized scallops shaped like wings, while a scooped cut-out created a high-low look in the front of the gown.

It had a strapless neckline, and the corset bodice was designed to look like butterfly wings both in shape and through the detailing covering the gown. Textured, semi-sheer lace covered the sides of the dress. Vogue India reported the dress was hand-embroidered in India.

Winged arm cuffs designed by Casey Curran that looked like an array of butterflies floating down Patel’s arms drove home the motif, and they moved as she walked down the red carpet.

The train was fully displayed as Patel climbed the Met’s steps, cascading behind her in layers.

Fashion powerhouse Law Roach was Patel’s stylist

Patel wore simple drop earrings and an updo styled by Chris Martin and Edgar Martin with the look, keeping the focus on the gown.