The Met Gala is widely regarded as the Oscars of fashion—a night where creativity, couture, and cultural commentary intersect on one of the world’s most high-profile red carpets. In 2025, the event took on particular historical and cultural weight with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This year’s concept explored the art and evolution of Black fashion and dandyism, celebrating the people, influences, and tailoring traditions that have helped shape global aesthetics.
Among the standout stars of the night was South African musician and style icon Tyla. Making her second appearance at the Met Gala, she delivered a look that was not only show-stopping but profoundly meaningful. Styled by Law Roach, with glam from industry legends like Pat McGrath, Yusef, and Coca Michelle, Tyla’s 2025 Met Gala look became a defining moment of the evening and a rich visual homage to both the past and future of Black style.
A Vision Inspired by André Leon Talley
Tyla’s ensemble was directly inspired by one of the most influential figures in fashion history: André Leon Talley. Known for his decades-long career as a trailblazing editor, writer, and tastemaker, Talley was an emblem of sophistication, flamboyance, and cultural defiance. His signature kaftans, love of grand tailoring, and commitment to Black excellence in fashion made him the perfect muse for this year’s Met Gala.
Working with acclaimed celebrity stylist Law Roach—famed for crafting transformational looks for stars like Zendaya—Tyla sought to capture the spirit of Talley through a distinctly feminine yet androgynous interpretation of classic dandy fashion. Together, they envisioned what it might look like if Tyla were wrapped in one of André’s oversized shirts—something powerful, elegant, and quietly subversive.
The result? A custom white pinstriped gown designed by Jacquemus that exuded sharp tailoring, sensual femininity, and timeless style. It was a dress that honored menswear traditions while being entirely reimagined for Tyla’s body and personality.
The Jacquemus Gown: Tailoring Meets Artistry
At first glance, Tyla’s Met Gala dress looked like a deconstructed men’s shirt—but a closer inspection revealed an elaborate, expertly crafted couture garment. The custom Jacquemus creation featured black pinstripes against a white fabric base, mimicking the crisp lines of traditional suits and dandy uniforms. But the cut of the gown was uniquely feminine: an off-the-shoulder neckline, hourglass contouring at the waist, and a dramatic train that floated with her every step.
The visual language of the look was deeply rooted in the history of Black dandyism—an aesthetic and cultural movement that originated among Black men in the 18th and 19th centuries and evolved as a form of resistance, elegance, and self-expression. Dandies often used fashion to assert dignity, intellect, and individuality in the face of systemic oppression. Tyla’s gown evoked that same spirit, albeit through a modern and artistic reinterpretation.
Roach and Tyla didn’t just design a beautiful dress—they created a wearable story. The pinstripes weren’t just a stylistic flourish; they were a nod to tradition, to legacy, to resilience. In a world where fashion is often fleeting, this look carried weight, purpose, and timeless beauty.
Hair by Yusef: Vintage Edge with Modern Flair
To complement the sharp lines of the gown, hairstylist Yusef crafted a head-turning hairstyle that married old-school glam with cutting-edge boldness. Tyla debuted a short, strawberry-blonde pixie cut—plastered sleek against her head and parted with just the right degree of asymmetry.
This was not only a significant transformation for Tyla, who’s typically seen with long waves or curls, but a styling choice that added a layer of androgyny to the overall look. Yusef described the idea as bringing a masculine energy to balance the femininity of the dress. The soft golden hues of the hairstyle added warmth to her skin tone, while the short cut gave her an aura of confidence and power.
Inspired by iconic Black entertainers such as Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, and Lena Horne, the look captured a legacy of elegance and redefined it for the modern day. It was simultaneously nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Makeup by Pat McGrath: Old Hollywood Glamor, Reimagined
No Met Gala look is complete without makeup that elevates the entire visual narrative, and for this, Tyla turned to none other than Pat McGrath—arguably the most influential makeup artist in the world. Known for her magical touch and visionary artistry, McGrath created a beauty look that played into the vintage Hollywood fantasy while embracing Tyla’s unique features.
The makeup centered on glowing, radiant skin—achieved with McGrath’s Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection foundation system. Her eyes were dressed in warm smoky tones, reminiscent of 1940s starlets but adapted with a contemporary twist using Pat’s iconic Mothership palettes. The lips were perhaps the most striking feature: contoured, brown-toned, and carefully defined, they gave Tyla a grounded, earthy sensuality.
The beauty look paid tribute to the likes of Dorothy Dandridge and Eartha Kitt, but it also felt entirely now. McGrath described the look as a blend of experimentation and homage—testing out lip sizes and eye depths until they found the perfect balance.
Nails by Coca Michelle: A Playful Nod to Pinstripes
One of the most inventive elements of Tyla’s look came courtesy of nail artist Coca Michelle. Drawing direct inspiration from the gown’s pinstripe pattern, Coca created a nail design that brought texture and movement to Tyla’s fingertips. The nails featured a blush-pink base layered with tiny chains, each tipped with diamonds that shimmered subtly under the Met Gala lights.
The nails added a layer of playfulness and punk to an otherwise refined ensemble. Tyla, amused by how dramatic the nails were, joked about not being able to eat—but loved how “cute” and striking they looked. It was another example of how every element of the look, no matter how small, was deliberate and tied back to the central theme.
Jewelry by Pandora: Modern Craftsmanship and Classic Glam
As the official jewelry partner for Tyla’s Met Gala appearance, Pandora delivered custom pieces that married elegance with storytelling. The centerpiece was a heart-shaped magnifying glass pendant featuring over 30 carats of lab-grown diamonds. This symbolic accessory added both visual intrigue and thematic depth to the look.
As Tyla is now a global ambassador for Pandora, her jewelry also reflected her evolving role as a fashion icon who champions sustainability and creativity. The pendant was more than just sparkle—it represented the magnified attention on Black style and culture, and Tyla’s willingness to carry that spotlight with grace and pride.
A Celebration of Cultural Legacy and Individual Style
Tyla’s look at the 2025 Met Gala was more than a collection of beautiful garments and accessories. It was a curated message—a celebration of cultural history, a nod to the future, and a personal expression of identity. In her own words, Tyla described the night as a moment to “have fun,” but also acknowledged the “pressure” of returning after a standout debut the previous year.
This second appearance, however, was not just about outperforming the last—it was about solidifying her presence as a force in fashion and pop culture. The homage to André Leon Talley wasn’t a costume or an imitation—it was a heartfelt tribute to someone who helped pave the way for artists like her.
And the theme—“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”—was not just something Tyla interpreted on a surface level. She lived it. From the careful selection of fabrics and cuts to the inspiration drawn from South African and African-American heritage, Tyla embraced every part of her identity and let it shine on the world’s biggest fashion stage.
Conclusion: Tyla’s Defining Met Gala Moment
Tyla’s 2025 Met Gala appearance was a masterclass in storytelling through fashion. It was elegant, sharp, nostalgic, bold, and entirely original. With the guidance of Law Roach, she honored the late André Leon Talley by blending classic tailoring with sensual femininity, topped with modern hair, makeup, nails, and accessories that each played a unique role in the narrative.
In an event meant to celebrate the past, question the present, and inspire the future, Tyla proved that she’s not just a rising star—she’s a symbol of how far Black style has come and where it’s going. Her second Met Gala wasn’t just a follow-up to the first. It was a statement of arrival.
And when she smiled, waved, and whispered, “See you on the carpet” before stepping into the limelight—she wasn’t just going to a party. She was stepping into history.
