At the 2024 Met Gala, hailed as fashion’s grandest evening with its array of fairytale couture and stunning ensembles, an unexpected Indian figure stole the spotlight. Among the impeccably dressed celebrities, it was not a Bollywood star or a renowned fashion designer, but Indian entrepreneur Mona Patel who turned heads.
Embracing the gala’s theme, “The Garden of Time,” Patel made a striking debut in a flawless nude gown that cascaded to the floor. Her outfit featured an intricate butterfly-shaped corset and a scalloped train adorned with kinetic butterflies that fluttered their wings with her every movement.
“I wanted my debut appearance to be a celebration of my heritage while also reflecting my love for couture. When I heard about the theme, Iris Van Herpen seemed like the perfect choice,” Patel shared with Vogue India.
Patel’s stunning look, expertly crafted by Dutch designer Iris van Herpen and celebrity stylist Law Roach, garnered widespread attention.
Much like her memorable debut at the Met Gala, Patel’s personal journey has been equally remarkable. Here are some highlights:
- Patel, originally from Vadodara, Gujarat, had a modest upbringing. After her formative years in India, she ventured to the United States for higher education at Rutgers University in New Jersey. “I was eager to experience life beyond India and create the future I had always envisioned in the land of the free and the home of the brave,” Patel expressed on her website.
- Following her time at Rutgers, Patel returned to India to complete her studies at Gujarat University. At the age of 22, she moved back to the US to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. “I packed three large suitcases with most of my cherished belongings and relocated from India to Dallas, Texas,” Patel recounted on her website.
- Patel, a Forbes 1000 honoree, furthered her education by attending prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School in 2022 and Stanford University’s executive program in 2020.
- In 2006, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Patel founded eight companies spanning various industries including healthcare, technology, and real estate. Her empire is currently valued at over $100 million according to her website, Haute Mona.
- Recognized for her NGO Couture For Cause, Patel combines her passion for fashion with philanthropy. The non-profit auctions exclusive couture pieces to raise funds for charitable causes.
- Patel attributes her achievements to her parents. “It’s no secret that my parents have had a significant influence on the person I am today. I often attribute my father for instilling in me an entrepreneurial spirit, and my mother for being my guiding light,” Patel reflected. “Together, they propelled me to explore a future without boundaries, empowering me to venture beyond my comfort zone.”