By: Maria Williams
Esteemed philanthropist and business leader Sudha Reddy from Hyderabad, known for her unique fashion sense, made a striking entrance at the prestigious 2024 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6th. Aligning with the theme ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,’ her outfit for the red carpet brilliantly encapsulated her profound grasp of the theme and the ‘Garden of Time’ dress code, building on her impressive debut in 2021.
Dressed in a bespoke piece by renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani and accessorized with stunning jewelry from Farah Khan Ali, Sudha Reddy delivered a red-carpet appearance that effortlessly merged timeless elegance with cutting-edge style. The monochromatic outfit was more than just a display of haute couture; it was a lesson in storytelling and symbolism through fashion. It acted as a symbol of India’s cultural renaissance, reflecting the nation’s ongoing surge in creativity and celebrating India’s intricate craftsmanship and rich design heritage.
Crafted by over 80 artisans during a laborious 4,500 hours, the ivory silk gown worn by Sudha Reddy was a remarkable display of collaborative artistry. The gown featured a hand-corseted bodice with a miniature self-portrait of Sudha clutching a delicate rose, symbolizing hope and peace. The bodice showcased exceptional craftsmanship with thousands of French knots, detailed Indian couching embroidery, and glistening silk threads. Hand-carved mother-of-pearl flowers adorned the bodice, representing luminosity and longevity, while 3D butterflies highlighted the cycle of life. The gown’s flowing drapes resembled unfolding flower petals, expressing a deep yearning for self-expression. Adding to the thematic richness, a voluminous cape made of embroidered tulle panels incorporated more handcrafted mother-of-pearl flowers and a crystal shoulder accessory by Miodrag Guberinić, a designer known for his work with celebrities like Lady Gaga and Madonna.
The standout feature of Sudha Reddy’s attire was the ‘Amore Eterno’ necklace, a breathtaking creation from her collection. This necklace featured 25 exceptional solitaires, amassing over 180 carats, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the Reddy family. Central to this necklace was a family tree design comprising four large, heart-shaped diamonds: the largest, a 25-carat King of Hearts, honored Krishna Reddy, and the 20-carat Queen of Hearts represented Sudha Reddy. The other 20-carat diamonds, known as the Prince of Knowledge and Prince of Treasures, symbolized their sons, Pranav and Manas. Complementing these were twenty-one radiant round diamonds, reflecting the cherished moments and shared experiences of Sudha and Krishna’s love story. Additional pieces included a 20-carat heart-shaped diamond ring and a 23-carat yellow diamond ring, completing her exquisite ensemble.
Sudha Reddy’s refined style was complemented by more than just her gown; she accessorized with an off-white vintage Chanel clutch from the ‘Falling For Camellias’ collection and wore custom-made stilettos adorned with pearls. To ensure every detail was perfect, stylist Gautam Kalra brought together a team of experts. Celebrity makeup artist Nina Ubhi enhanced Sudha’s natural beauty using fresh, dewy makeup techniques and styled her hair in a clean yet artfully messy bun embellished with bejeweled hairpins from Amrapali. Additionally, nail artist Fleury Rose turned Sudha’s nails into detailed miniatures, decorating them with cascading white flowers and Swarovski crystals in a meticulous manicure process that took 100 hours to complete.
At the Met Gala 2024, Sudha Reddy expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to once again engage in a grand celebration of culture, community, and creativity. She emphasized the vital role of collaboration in the fashion industry. She thanked all parties involved, from the designers to her management and glam team, for making the event possible.
Designer Tarun Tahiliani elaborated on the creative process behind the custom-made outfit for Sudha Reddy, which was crafted to embody the gala’s intricate theme. He explained that the ensemble, featuring Sudha’s self-portrait on the corset combined with signature draping techniques and detailed handcrafted embroideries, evoked the imagery of a blossoming garden. This design was intended to symbolize India’s cultural renaissance and celebrate the timeless nature of traditional craftsmanship and themes of renewal and regeneration.
Jewelry designer Farah Khan Ali shared insights into creating the ‘Amore Eterno’ necklace, highlighting the complex journey from concept to completion. The project was about sourcing rare diamonds and capturing the profound themes of love and time. The extensive process included a worldwide search for the perfect diamonds, months of meticulous planning, and precise crafting techniques. The final piece, boasting 180 carats of natural diamonds, represented the cyclical dance of life, encapsulating the past, present, and future.
Sudha Reddy, a distinguished figure in both the corporate and philanthropic sectors, is renowned for her dynamic presence at high-profile events like the Met Gala, as well as her executive role as Director of Megha Engineering And Infrastructure Limited. Her commitment to social impact, a cornerstone of her identity, extends beyond corporate leadership, manifesting in her active involvement in various philanthropic initiatives. Through the Sudha Reddy Foundation and partnerships with respected organizations, including UNICEF, the Global Gift Foundation, the Cancer Research Foundation, Fight Hunger Foundation, and Action Against Hunger, Reddy is dedicated to empowering women and children and advancing healthcare and education globally. Her efforts have made substantial contributions to these fields, demonstrating her commitment to effecting positive change worldwide. Beyond her charitable endeavors, Sudha Reddy is frequently seen at esteemed gatherings such as Paris Haute Couture Week, the Fashion 4 Development Awards, Cannes Film Festival, Global Gift Gala, the UN General Assembly, and the White House Correspondents Dinner, further establishing her as a prominent leader and advocate for significant causes.
Sudha Reddy Publicity Office – Jashoda Madhavji, Dream N Hustle Media
Published by: Nelly Chavez
