At New York’s Met Gala, guests are known for attention-grabbing outfits, from Katy Perry‘s human chandelier dress to Kim Kardashian‘s all-black body suit.
But one attendant in particular has stolen the limelight this year – and he’s not even human.
Indian-American entrepreneur Mona Patel rocked up to the annual event on Monday night with an adorable robotic dachshund in tow.
Vector the robo-dog, developed by scientists at MIT, has a 1,000-carat diamond-studded leash and his own cute little specially-fitted tuxedo.
Powered by AI and equipped with sensors, Vector has customised movement patterns and ‘just the right amount of sass’, Vogue India reports.
Anyone old enough to remember the BBC children’s TV series Picture Book may be reminded of Sausage, the mischievous puppet dachshund.
Patel herself wore a custom suit with a cape and corseted bodice from American fashion designer Thom Browne, plus a 3D-printed hat.
Vector has been modelled after Browne’s dachshund, Hector, but this robotic, tuxed-up, diamond-leashed version is ‘ready to outshine me at any moment,’ Patel said.
At New York’s Met Gala, guests are known for attention-grabbing outfits. But one attendant in particular has stolen the limelight this year – Mona Patel’s adorable robot dog
Powered by AI and equipped with sensors, Vector has customised movement patterns and ‘and just the right amount of sass’, Vogue India reports
The Met Gala is the yearly fundraising social occasion in New York held on the first Monday of May where guests outdo each other with eye popping outfits.
Among those in attendance this year were Rihanna, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, Diana Ross, Miley Cyrus, Demi Moore and Kim Kardashian.
Mona Patel is one of the less high profile names, having been described as the ‘mystery woman’ last year when her butterfly dress went viral.
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat before moving to the US in 2003, she is an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist with a background in business and engineering.
Vector was constructed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where Patel obtained an MBA (Master of Business Administration).
It’s believed Patel had some involvement with the design of the dog, which has been programmed with customised movement patterns.
Meanwhile, the back of her outfit was adorned with a bizarre robotic spine – taken as a nod to her engineering background.
‘I’ve been lucky to work with brilliant engineers, and I couldn’t resist bringing that part of my life onto the red carpet,’ she told Harper’s Bazaar.
Vector, was built at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where Patel obtained an MBA (Master of Business Administration)
‘Thom’s tailoring brought tradition, while my little robot date brought the future.’
According to her LinkedIn profile, she studied computer science at Gujarat University in India before being educated at MIT, Harvard University and University of Florida.
She is the founder of radXai, a health-tech startup that uses AI ‘to improve accuracy, speed and efficiency of medical imaging and interpretation’.
‘We’re pushing boundaries by harnessing the power of AI to reshape and transform radiology,’ the description on her LinkedIn profile reads.
‘We’re on a mission to develop advanced AI technologies that aid radiologists and help physicians and payers in delivering affordable, precise and timely patient care.’
She is also founder of Couture For Cause, a non-profit organisation that ‘aims to drive positive change through fashion and inspire every woman to realize her highest self’.
‘Through fundraising events and global campaigns, we catalyze the fashion community and the industry’s most influential figures and brands to create a better future for girls around the world.’
Mona Patel is also no stranger to the entertainment industry and has mingled with A-list Hollywood stars.
Mona Patel is one of the less high profile names, having been described as the ‘mystery woman’ at Met Gala 2024 when her butterfly dress went viral (pictured)
Back in 2021, she attended a Vogue100 event in collaboration with Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila brand.
Meanwhile, the Met Gala has had its fair share of weird accessories, including sci-fi inspired masks, body suits, hats and even wings.
Back in 2021, singer Frank Ocean arrived at the Met Gala cradling an eerie green robotic baby in his arms.
The frightening doll came complete with human-like facial expressions, and even smiled and blinked its eyes as the two shared warm looks.
And Jared Leto carried a replica of his own head in 2019 while wearing a red gown covered with ropes of sparkling jewelry.
