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Serving Up Looks
Say what you will about the Met Gala (and yes, there’s a lot to say), but the fashion?
Sometimes it really delivers.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” spotlighted the history of Black dandyism—how clothing and aesthetics shape Black identity and resistance. There has been plenty of debate about whether an exclusive event like the Met Gala can meaningfully engage with a topic this intricate. But one look caught our attention—one that beautifully blended Persian, Chinese, Indian, and European influences into a single unforgettable outfit.
Enter: Natasha Poonawalla, Executive Director of the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. She arrived in a stunning Manish Malhotra gown styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, weaving threads of her Parsi ancestry into every inch.
The look featured:
A voluminous fishtail skirt made from two vintage Gara saris
A pearl-scalloped corset
And a rich royal purple jacket
Gara embroidery, a hallmark of Parsi fashion, has roots in the community’s 8th-century migration from Persia to India. This intricate silk embroidery—often depicting birds, flowers, and nature—is painstakingly done by hand. (Curious to know more? This Vogue India piece is a great deep dive.)
At a time when South Asian fashion is often flattened or misrepresented (remember the Scandinavian scarf controversy that took over TikTok), it’s refreshing to see someone embrace heritage with intention and pride.
Of course, questions of cultural appropriation vs. appreciation always remain. But here’s one thing that’s clear: Supporting immigrant-owned fashion brands is always in style.
One brand we love? Rastah — a standout Pakistani streetwear label founded by Zain Ahmed.
Rastah (meaning “path” or “journey”) is all about honoring South Asian craftsmanship while pushing creative boundaries. You’ve probably seen pieces on Riz Ahmed, Timothée Chalamet, or Justin Bieber—but the mission goes beyond celebrity.
As founder Zain Ahmed puts it, Rastah tells “tales of experiences, reflections, and resilience in a world that at times underestimates the prowess of a Pakistani designer.”
Here’s a peek at our founder, Saadia, rocking her favorite Rastah hoodie. We’re proud to wear our stories—and stitch them into every thread. Tell us, what’s your favorite immigrant-owned fashion brand?
Culture Check-In: We want to hear from you!
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Podcast Pick of the Week
Like hearing about fashion? Hear Aidan and Sophia dive into the wonderfully weird world of Parker Posey and her iconic looks in Party Girl (1995) at Banterly.
This newsletter was curated by Suhasini Patni.
Hyphenly curates the latest news, art, and businesses from immigrants around the world. Have a tip or story we should feature? We’d love to hear from you.
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Visit us at www.immigrantlypod.com.