Diwali came to New York in the most fashionable way possible. Ace couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee hosted a landmark, first-of-its-kind Diwali reception at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on October 22, 2026. At the event, designer Masaba Gupta stole the spotlight with a deeply cultural and completely contemporary fashion statement. Her outfit was a modern ode to Bengal’s most renowned ‘Lal Paar Saree’. 

Masaba’s Ode To Bengal’s ‘Lal Paar Saree’

Masaba Gupta, known for her fearless prints and modern Indian silhouettes, arrived in a custom House of Masaba creation with a Sabya touch. She reimagined Bengal’s most iconic drape, the quintessential white and red ‘Laal Paar Saree’, into a sculptural, red-carpet-ready ensemble. The look featured a white Kora cotton strapless corset that was structured and fitted, paired with a pure satin-organza drape with a bold maroon-crimson border.

Details Of Masaba Gupta’s Bengali Saree Look 

What made the ‘Lal Paar Saree’ look special were the details that celebrated Bengali heritage with Masaba’s quirky lens. The drape was detailed with appliquéd paan motifs, delicate rhinestone embroidery, and an ornamental tassel appliqué at the back. She completed the look with a deep maroon velvet hooded cape for some of her portraits on the Met’s rooftop terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

In a series of photos shared from her 20-slide carousel on Instagram, Masaba posed indoors by the large windows of the Met museum, on the terrace, and at the gala itself, showcasing the fluid fall of the drape and the structure of the corset.

Masaba Gupta Statement Jewellery and The Tiger Clutch

The styling was pure festive maximalism. Masaba paired the ivory and crimson ensemble with:

  • A multi-coloured ‘Trinket Holder’ Choker Necklace from the House of Masaba x Tribe by Amrapali collection. 
  • Large Gold Sunburst Earrings 
  • Black Meller sunglasses added a cool-girl edge
  • Iconic Maroon Sabyasachi clutch with the tiger emblem

Why Bengal’s ‘Laal Paar’ Is The Ultimate Festive Power Colour

The Laal Paar Saree is not just a garment; it's an emotion in Bengal. Traditionally worn during Durga Puja and other auspicious occasions. This saree has thick red borders that symbolise purity, strength, and marital bliss. By constructing it with a corset-style blouse, Masaba brought a 100-year-old tradition into New York’s global fashion stage.

How To Recreate Masaba Gupta's Modern Draped Saree For Diwali 2026?

To recreate Masaba Gupta’s Laal Paar Saree look for your Diwali celebrations, you need to include two things in your wardrobe: a white strapless corset and a white satin organza saree. If you don’t have an organza saree, use any white cotton saree and attach a red velvet border to it. 

After swapping the blouse for a structured corset, drape the pallu neatly, and let it move over your shoulders like a shawl. 

To complete the look, make a sleek bun, add statement earrings, a chunky multicoloured choker, and black sunglasses. In place of Sabyasachi’s Tiger clutch, you can incorporate a potli bag, or any clutch that resembles it, but make sure it's red. Keep the makeup dewy with a nude lip. You are ready for your upcoming Diwali party in a modern, festive, and unmistakably Bengali look. 

Takeaway From Sabyasachi Diwali Gala 

The Sabyasachi Diwali Reception party was more than just a gala. It was a statement that Indian dressing, craft, and celebration belong on the world’s renowned stages. And with Masaba Gupta’s modern Laal Paar saree look, the world understood that. 

(Image Credits: Instagram)

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