Singer Tyla made a striking debut at her first-ever Met Gala red carpet, donning a custom sculpted Balmain gown that symbolized 'the sands of time.' Collaborating with stylist Katie Qian, the South African artist expressed her excitement for the event, aiming for a unique and out-of-the-box look.
Adorned in a Dune-inspired ensemble, Tyla accessorized with a simple gold necklace and an oversized hourglass, complemented by a beauty look featuring cat eyeliner and a dusting of sand on her shoulder. Her nails sported 3D chain embellishments resembling dripping sand, adding a touch of avant-garde to her attire.
Balmain's creative director, Olivia Rousteing, revealed the intricate process behind Tyla's gown, emphasizing the one-of-a-kind nature of the design. The dress, molded to fit Tyla's body, was intended to be a wearable piece of art, echoing the theme of 'Sleeping Beauty' and the concept of dressing once in a lifetime.
Before releasing her debut album in March, Tyla made history as the youngest South African artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit song 'Water,' blending R&B and Afrobeats influences. As she departed the Mark Hotel, fans serenaded her with the chart-topping tune, celebrating her success in the music industry.
The Met Gala's theme, 'The Garden of Time,' draws inspiration from J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story and aligns with the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute exhibition, 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.' Curated by Andrew Bolton, the exhibit showcases delicate pieces from the institute's archives, exploring the intersection of fashion and nature.
Attendees at the fashionable fundraiser embraced the theme with creative interpretations, setting the stage for a night of glamour and artistry. The event coincides with the upcoming release of the exhibit's coffee table book, offering a deeper dive into the world of fashion and design.
