Akshata Murty’s ‘Towel Couture’ Gown Shocks the Internet

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Akshata Murty's "Towel Couture" Moment at the British Museum Pink Ball

The first-ever British Museum "Pink Ball" in London was meant to be a glittering celebration of art, culture, and philanthropy. But it was Akshata Murty — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and wife of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak — who became the night's most talked-about figure. Her striking pink-and-red striped gown set social media ablaze, earning the nickname "towel couture" and sparking both admiration and mockery across the internet.

The Event and Its Theme

The Pink Ball was designed as a fusion of heritage and high fashion — an evening meant to honor creativity, charity, and global culture. Guests were asked to interpret the theme "pink" in their own way, leading to a spectrum of styles from subtle rose hues to bold magenta statements.

Murty's attendance carried an extra layer of visibility. As the daughter of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and wife of a prominent political figure, her fashion choices often attract public and media attention. This time was no exception — but perhaps not for the reasons she expected.

The Look That Sparked a Storm

Akshata Murty appeared in a strapless floor-length gown with broad pink and red vertical stripes, a convex neckline, and a sleek, column-style silhouette. The fabric shimmered under the lights, suggesting a silk or satin blend that accentuated the bright color palette.

She accessorized the look with a gold maang tika — a traditional Indian forehead ornament — paired with a silver potli bag, red bow-detailed heels, and bold makeup featuring wine-toned lips and soft waves in her hair.

The result was a look that tried to merge two worlds: the western glamour of a red-carpet gown with a distinctly Indian accent piece.

The Internet Reacts

The online reaction was immediate and intense. Within hours, photos of Murty's gown flooded social media platforms. Many users compared the striped fabric to a "bath towel," "curtain," or "bedsheet," leading to the viral term "towel couture."

Some comments questioned her stylistic choices, suggesting that the gown appeared "unfinished" or "out of sync" with the sophistication expected from someone of her status. Others poked fun at the maang tika, calling it "a wedding leftover added at the last minute."

However, not all reactions were negative. A section of users praised Murty's confidence and individuality, calling her outfit "refreshing" and "bold." Supporters argued that she stayed true to herself while experimenting with cultural fusion in a space dominated by Western styles.

The Symbolism Behind the Controversy

Murty's look highlighted the tension between cultural expression and public expectation. By combining an Indian accessory with a European gown, she symbolized the dual identity many modern global citizens embody. Yet, such combinations can easily polarize opinions — especially when worn by public figures.

The gown's bold stripes and colors reflected India's festive aesthetic, aligning with the event's "pink" theme, which itself drew inspiration from Indian artistry. However, the exaggerated contrast and heavy pattern made it visually divisive, amplifying online criticism.

In the social media age, every high-profile appearance becomes instant public property — dissected, memed, and judged in real time. The speed and harshness of the backlash against Murty's look underscore how unforgiving digital fashion commentary has become.

What the Look Says About Modern Fashion

Fashion today isn't just about design — it's about narrative. Murty's gown tells a story of experimentation and risk-taking. It reminds us that cultural fusion in fashion is still a delicate balancing act: one bold step can either earn applause for creativity or ridicule for eccentricity.

Her willingness to wear something so striking, in a room full of safer choices, speaks to confidence and defiance of convention. Whether or not the look "worked," it succeeded in starting a conversation — and that's precisely what high fashion thrives on.

The Broader Lesson

This episode captures a modern truth: in an era of instant reactions, even a powerful, accomplished woman can find her identity reduced to a meme within hours. Yet, the debate also shows how fashion remains a democratic art — everyone has an opinion, and everyone participates in shaping the cultural moment.

Akshata Murty's "towel couture" may have divided the internet, but it also proved that boldness still matters. Safe choices fade; daring ones endure — even if they do so wrapped in controversy.