The 2025 Met Gala brought together dazzling talent and groundbreaking style, but few stars shined brighter than South African singer Tyla. After her unforgettable sand dress debut in 2024, Tyla made headlines again at the Met Gala 2025. This year, her look celebrated fashion history and Black style, confirming her as one of the event’s most memorable icons yet.
Tyla graced the steps of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in a custom white, off-the-shoulder Jacquemus gown. Styled by the celebrated Law Roach, her pinstripe dress was a modern twist on classic menswear and paid homage to the late fashion journalist André Leon Talley. The long train flowed gracefully behind her, drawing all eyes in the room.
Her look was topped off with a bold beauty transformation. Tyla’s honey-blonde pixie cut and vintage-inspired makeup—crafted by renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath—channeled timeless Hollywood glamour with a fresh edge. This visual reinvention captured the spirit of the 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which focused on the evolution of Black fashion from the 18th century to today.
Curious about the full event and this year’s historical theme? BBC News covered the Met Gala 2025 as it happened, including key style moments from the evening.
Tyla’s statement ensemble was more than just a dress. She wore custom Pandora jewelry, including a show-stopping 30 carats of lab-grown diamonds. One of her standout pieces featured a bespoke diamond-set monocle, infusing the menswear inspiration with contemporary brilliance. The combination of sharp tailoring, shimmering jewels, and a powerful concept set Tyla apart on a night known for bold choices.
For a full gallery and a deeper dive into her Met Gala evolution, discover how Tyla debuted a hair transformation and custom diamonds at the 2025 Met Gala according to PEOPLE.
This year's Met Gala wasn’t just about eye-catching fashion; it was steeped in cultural heritage. Tyla’s tribute to André Leon Talley was a highlight. Her stylist, Law Roach, drew inspiration from Talley’s iconic looks, infusing the gown with significance that resonated beyond the fabric. Tyla’s appearance embodied the showcase of "Black Dandyism" and tailored style, themes central to the 2025 exhibition. Her ensemble struck a delicate balance between past and present, reflecting ongoing conversations about identity and creativity in Black fashion.
For more on Tyla’s tribute and the inspiration behind her look, ELLE's feature explores how she paid homage in a Jacquemus gown.
Tyla’s second Met Gala appearance built on the buzz of her 2024 debut, when she wore a showstopping Balmain sand dress that needed to be cut off after the carpet. In 2025, however, she opted for a design that allowed her to move freely and enjoy the festivities, proving her versatility and ever-evolving sense of style.
Fans and critics have praised Tyla not only for her dynamic fashion choices but also for owning her narrative and honoring those who’ve paved the way. The “Water” singer continues to influence both music and style, and her presence at the Met Gala 2025 is sure to inspire a new generation of icons.
Tyla’s appearance at the Met Gala 2025 blended avant-garde fashion, cultural homage, and high-wattage glamour. By honoring the past and redefining the present, she once again proved why she’s among the most exciting voices in global pop culture. Keep an eye out for Tyla’s next moves—the world of fashion will surely be watching.