From Kerala to the Met Gala Red Carpet: The Incredible Rise of Neytt Rugs
Picture this: The world's biggest celebrities gliding across a magnificent royal blue carpet at fashion's most exclusive night—the Met Gala. What you might not realize? Those stunning 63,000 square feet they're walking on were handcrafted in Kerala, India. For the third year running, luxury rug maker Neytt has quietly conquered one of the world's most photographed floors, and their journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Royal Blue Elegance: This Year's Showstopper
Have you ever seen a carpet transform an entire event? The breathtaking royal blue masterpiece at this year's Met Gala did exactly that. Starting with pristine white handwoven sisal (sourced sustainably from Madagascar, no less), Neytt's artisans painstakingly hand-painted the enormous carpet to achieve that perfect, rich blue that complemented the evening's glamorous theme.
What makes this even more impressive? The logistical challenge was enormous. Imagine coordinating the creation, shipping, and installation of a carpet that could cover more than a dozen tennis courts! Yet Neytt delivered with flawless execution that had fashion commentators raving.
How a Kerala Company Captured Fashion's Biggest Night
Neytt's Met Gala romance began somewhat serendipitously in 2023. Through their U.S. partner Fibreworks, they received that first magical call to create a custom sisal rug for the event. With just 60 days to deliver—a timeframe that would make most manufacturers panic—the team produced an astonishing 58 rolls of carpet.
The fashion world took notice. What began as a single collaboration blossomed into a partnership that has now spanned three years. And honestly, in the fickle world of high fashion, that kind of loyalty speaks volumes about Neytt's craftsmanship.
What's their secret? It's a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. Neytt champions sustainable luxury, working extensively with eco-friendly materials like sisal, lyocell, linen, and seagrass. These aren't just buzzwords for them—sustainability is woven into their very identity.
They're not newcomers to the weaving world, either. Neytt's parent company, Extraweave, has been perfecting the art of traditional weaving in Kerala for over a century. That's generations of expertise flowing into every carpet they create. This heritage has helped them secure collaborations with global giants like Ralph Lauren Home, Pottery Barn, and IKEA—impressive partners that further cement their reputation for exceptional quality.
The Magic Behind the Threads: Craft Meets Contemporary
What's truly captivating about Neytt's creations is how they tell stories through their designs. These aren't just floor coverings; they're canvases where tradition dances with modernity. The company frequently collaborates with artists to develop limited-edition pieces that push creative boundaries while honoring age-old techniques.
This year's royal blue Met Gala carpet is a perfect example. If you looked closely, you might have noticed subtle design elements that nodded to both heritage patterns and contemporary aesthetics—a perfect metaphor for the company itself.
Want to know what makes their process special? It's their remarkable vertical integration. From sourcing raw sisal in Madagascar to the final hand-finishing touches at their facility in Alleppey, everything happens in-house. This approach doesn't just ensure exceptional quality control; it creates a direct line from traditional knowledge to final product.
And what better showcase for this craftsmanship than the Met Gala? With its global audience and intense media attention, millions of eyes appreciate (even if unknowingly) the incredible artistry from Kerala's skilled weavers.
More Than Just a Carpet: A Cultural Triumph
When I think about what Neytt has accomplished, it's hard not to feel a surge of pride. Their Met Gala presence isn't just a business win—it's a cultural achievement that celebrates the extraordinary talent of Indian artisans on one of the world's most visible stages.
As A-listers like Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, and Bad Bunny traversed that stunning blue carpet, they weren't just walking toward a party. They were participating in a beautiful cultural exchange, their designer shoes touching the work of artisans who've preserved traditional techniques across generations.
Isn't there something magical about that connection? A centuries-old craft tradition from Kerala intertwining with contemporary high fashion in Manhattan—it's globalization at its most beautiful.
Neytt shows us that honoring tradition doesn't mean refusing to evolve. In fact, their success proves quite the opposite: by respecting their heritage while embracing innovation, they've created something truly extraordinary. Their carpets might be on the floor, but they've elevated Kerala craftsmanship to the global spotlight—and that's something worth celebrating.
