The inaugural British Museum Ball was held on 18 October 2025 with guests including leading creatives, collectors, politicians and cultural visionaries such as Sir Mick Jagger, Janet Jackson and James Norton and members of the influential Ball Committee, such as Naomi Campbell, Edward Enninful OBE, and Dame Tracey Emin.
London’s Cultural Influence
The British Museum Ball marks a new phase in London’s ongoing effort to reaffirm its cultural influence on the global stage, signaling a renewed commitment. Earlier this year, the British Fashion Council—founded in 1983 as a not-for-profit organization supporting the UK’s fashion industry—appointed Laura Weir as its new CEO to revitalize London Fashion Week and reinforce the city’s creative identity. Under her leadership, new initiatives have already been introduced to champion local designers, foster innovation across the UK, and attract international media attention. Timed to coincide with London’s Frieze Art Fair and the BFI London Film Festival, the British Museum Ball bridges art, history, fashion, and heritage, adding to the city’s rich offerings. It also underscores London’s dedication to remaining an international centre of artistic innovation and collaboration.
While shining a spotlight on London and showcasing the city, the ball, which has been dubbed London’s Met Gala, also raised funds to support the British Museum’s international partnerships.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, director of the British Museum and founder of the Ball, said over email that when the British Museum became the first public national museum in the world in 1753, it was because London had the most international audience, and that is as true today as it was then. “London is globally renowned for its arts, culture, creativity and style. It is a city where history and innovation coexist, and everyone is welcome”, said Cullinan. Across galleries, the museum remains free and accessible to all and has welcomed hundreds of millions of visitors over almost 275 years.
Pretty In Pink
The ball was co-hosted by Isha Ambani, daughter of the Indian billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani, and the theme for the evening was “Pink”, selected to reflect the current Ancient India Exhibition held at the British Museum. Ambani, who wore a custom gown by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla stated in a press release that the evening was a celebration of age-old creativity, and that she had chosen pink as a theme for the ball because in India, pink is the color of warmth, welcome and joy. “It evokes a spirit of openness and grace integral to our culture. My hope is that our evening will be a reflection of these values, bringing global communities closer, fostering deep mutual respect and understanding”, she said.
Arriving at the Museum, guests walked the pink carpet up to the iconic south façade and colonnade, where they were welcomed in the Great Court. Speeches were made by the director, Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, co-chair Isha Ambani and chair of trustees, George Osborne. This was followed by a performance from Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar, accompanied by the Grammy Award-winning Jules Buckley Orchestra, after which the guests were invited to take their seats for dinner at tables set within some spectacular objects in the Museum collection. A silent auction then took place, which offered unique lots, including a pet portrait by British artist and museum trustee Dame Tracey Emin.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, said over email that the British Museum Ball was intended to celebrate London, a city renowned for its arts, culture, creativity and style. “Tonight’s event did just that by bringing together the actors, artists, collectors, creatives, designers and writers that make our city a cultural powerhouse. In doing so, we continued in the footsteps of the many cultural icons who have come to the British Museum over the past 275 years, from Mozart to Karl Marx, Oscar Wilde to Virginia Woolf,” said Cullinan.
Set to become an annual tradition, this event brings together some of Britain’s most influential figures in culture and fashion, celebrating creativity and soft power through themed storytelling and artistic expression.
Understated Glamour
Attendees wore outfits by a selection of global luxury designers, including French couturier Stéphane Rolland, Saint Laurent and the British designer Richard Quinn, and mostly stayed close to the brief: the color pink.
There were some interesting interpretations of the theme, such as the dress worn by the Sudanese-born model, writer, and cultural icon Adot Gak—a dramatic Miss Sohe look with a shell-inspired back section—but overall, the approach was classically elegant and less theatrical than some of the outfits we typically see at the Met Gala.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE wore a pink flower on his lapel, while Nita Ambani wore an embellished traditional Indian dress.
A white suit was worn by Edward Enninful. Model Adwoa Aboah wore a timeless Saint Laurent fuchsia ensemble with black gloves.
A pink tie was the finishing touch for James Norton’s tailored suit, worn with a white shirt and black shoes.
Janet Jackson wore a showstopping floor-length red dress from Stéphane Rolland’s collection.
Pink ruffles and jewelry added a touch of pink to Dame Kristin Scott Thomas’ vintage metallic floor-length dress.
Anita Rani’s sculptural pink gown was designed by the Ukrainian brand Monetre from Cult Mia.
A classic floral dress that included pink blooms, from British designer Richard Quinn, was the gown of choice for Maya Jama.
Actress Laura Carmichael, wore an Erdem pale green dress with pink detailing.
Model Adot Gak wore a dramatic Miss Sohe look with a shell-inspired back section.
An elegant three-piece suit was worn by Bianca Jagger, complete with a Panama hat.
Jerry Hall and Elizabeth Jagger wore black shapely dresses with bright accessories.
Fashion model and writer Daphne Guinness wore a pink military-inspired Chanel couture dress.
Carolina Herrera was the designer of choice for Julia Sarr-Jamois.
Charlotte Dellal attended the ball wearing a Saloni red belted ensemble with long black gloves.
In true British style, Natasha Poonawalla wore a striking Alexander McQueen structured dress.
Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, wore a backless dress with a gradient color-scheme and a dip-dye hem effect.