Tyla made a bold return to the Met Gala in 2025, showcasing a look that reimagined old Hollywood through a strikingly modern lens. For her sophomore appearance at fashion’s biggest night, the South African star traded her signature braids for a chic short blonde cut, styled in soft, voluminous pin curls. This transformation was cinematic, calling back to screen sirens like Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, and Jean Harlow, yet unmistakably Tyla.
The look was a collaboration between Tyla, stylist Law Roach, and Jacquemus, who crafted a custom design that revisited the elegance of classic Black tailoring. The corseted dress, cut from crisp poplin, was paired with an oversized men’s shirt, both finely pinstriped with sequinned threads and transparent crystals. The embroidery details were deliberately irregular and raw, adorned with delicate crystal fil coupé embellishments. The resulting silhouette exuded a sense of unfinished beauty, a perfect reflection of Tyla's artistic vision.
The navy pinstripe and exaggerated shirt structure also served as a tribute to the late fashion icon André Leon Talley. Together, Tyla and Law Roach delivered a masterclass in styling, finishing the look with over 30 carats of diamonds from Pandora. The accessories included a custom-set diamond monocle with a working magnifying lens and a heart-shaped six-carat lab-grown diamond pendant from Pandora’s Me chain and Talisman collection. Such unique pieces not only complemented her outfit but also evoked a sense of menswear’s love for timepieces.
For makeup, Tyla turned to legendary artist Pat McGrath, who crafted a look that echoed the glamour of mid-century cinema while keeping things fresh. Warm-toned smoky eyes, sculpted red lips, and glowing skin brought the full vision to life. Tyla’s appearance at the Met Gala was not just about fashion; it was a statement of identity and artistry.
Last year, Tyla made her Met Gala debut in a sculptural gown made from real sand and microcrystals, cast on a mold of her body. The hourglass silhouette was complemented by a handheld timepiece, presenting her as the Mistress of Time and Land, a poetic interpretation of the 2024 theme, "The Garden of Time." This year, however, she stepped into an even more influential role, not just as a guest but as part of the official host committee, which shapes the event’s direction.
Joining her on the committee were industry giants like Simone Biles, Janelle Monáe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Spike Lee, further emphasizing the importance of Black representation in such a prestigious event. The 2025 Met Gala was not only a showcase of fashion but also a powerful celebration of Black identity, with a theme that paid homage to both "The Garden of Time" and "Tailoring Black Style." This year’s Gala brought together music, fashion, art, and activism in striking harmony, with South African women playing a starring role.
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe made her Met Gala debut in a stunning floor-length gown from David Tlale’s Spring/Summer Collection. As a medical doctor, philanthropist, and founder of Africa Fashion International (AFI), she attended not just as a guest but as a driving force behind the rising global profile of African fashion. AFI was one of the sponsors of this year’s Gala, marking a significant moment for the continent on the world’s most exclusive fashion stage. “This is more than fashion—it’s the global recognition of African creativity and Black excellence,” she stated in a pre-Gala interview.
Through her work with AFI, Moloi-Motsepe has championed emerging designers across the continent, with initiatives like Cape Town Fashion Week and Joburg Fashion Week cementing her reputation as a catalyst for change. Thebe Magugu, another notable name in African fashion, had a major presence at this year’s Gala, with two of his custom couture looks walking the red carpet. One was worn by Canadian fashion activist Aurora James, while the other graced the figure of American heiress and model Ivy Getty.
James wore Magugu’s first-ever couture piece, a sculptural gown made of 12 meters of chemically crushed chiffon in a rich “thorn tree” brown. The ensemble was inspired by mid-century portraits of West African women and combined elegance with subversion, questioning the traditional boundaries of power dressing. In an Instagram post, Magugu explained, “Black style has never been one thing. It’s a visual remix of ancestral textile, streetwear, church elegance, and gender-fluid experimentation.”
The 2025 Met Gala has often faced criticism for its lack of diversity or for glossing over cultural nuances, but this year felt different. With African women leading conversations, curating style, and dictating visual narratives, the event moved beyond mere spectacle. Tyla’s presence, alongside other influential figures, highlighted the rich tapestry of Black identity and creativity in fashion.
As the night unfolded, it became clear that the 2025 Met Gala was not just a celebration of fashion but also a powerful statement about the evolving landscape of cultural representation. Tyla’s look, along with those of her fellow attendees, illustrated a commitment to honoring heritage while embracing modernity. The event served as a reminder that fashion is not just about aesthetics; it is a platform for storytelling and cultural expression.
With the spotlight on African excellence, the Gala showcased the talent and creativity emerging from the continent, proving that Black style is a dynamic and multifaceted narrative that continues to evolve. As Tyla, Dr. Moloi-Motsepe, and other trailblazers took center stage, they not only celebrated their heritage but also inspired a new generation of artists and designers to push boundaries and redefine the norms of fashion.
