Meet Indian-American tech entrepreneur who took robot dog at Met Gala

Indian-American tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Mona Patel returned to the Met Gala blue carpet after her debut in 2024, marking yet another show-stopping look.

Dressed in a custom-designed Thom Borne ensemble, Patel commanded the blue carpet in a striking all-black creation. The outfit featured a sharply tailored suit layered over a halter-neck shirt, culminating in a dramatic, beaded corset-style bodice that accentuated her waistline with sculptural precision.

But it was not just her fashion-forward silhouette that stole the spotlight, Patel made her entrance flanked by a robotic dog named Vector, led by a diamond-studded leash—a bold nod to Thom Borne’s iconic Hector Bag.

A 1,000-carat emerald-cut diamond bowl necklace served as the look’s centrepiece. The outfit was further elevated by a kinetic spine accessory designed by Lisa Jiang and Timothy Bowl. A dramatic hat by Miodrag Gubernic and Rene Caovilla heels completed the ensemble.

Who Is Mona Patel?

Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, Patel is a serial entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist whose portfolio spans healthcare, technology and real estate. An alumna of Harvard, Stanford and MIT, Patel is widely respected for building scalable enterprises and championing initiatives that promote gender equity and economic inclusion.

Her insights on entrepreneurship and leadership have meade her a prominent speaker at global forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos. Beyond her business pursuits, Patel is a passionate collector of haute couture, with a wardrobe that celebrates both craftsmanship and cultural narrative.

Through her philanthropic venture, Couture for Cause, she funds initiatives focused on girls’ education and women’s entrepreneurship, emphasising sustainable development and long-term impact.