Web of Intrigue: Tyla’s Triple Fashion Metamorphosis Electrifies Billboard Awards
In a night that celebrated female power in the music industry, South African sensation Tyla made sure all eyes were on her with not one, but three jaw-dropping ensembles that reinforced her status as fashion’s newest fearless icon. The “Water” hitmaker has never shied away from sartorial risks, but her appearance at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards elevated her daring aesthetic to couture heights.
Gracing the red carpet, Tyla stunned in what can only be described as architectural nudity—a Jean Paul Gaultier couture masterpiece that defied conventional definitions of “dress.” The gossamer creation featured strategic mesh paneling that preserved modesty while creating the illusion of exposed skin, with spidery strings meticulously wound around her silhouette. The web-like construction culminated in a high neckline before cascading into an ethereal train that seemed to float behind her. Beneath this ethereal construction, the singer opted for practical black boy shorts—a styling choice reminiscent of her recent vintage Gucci moment.
The look’s deliberately deconstructed nature was juxtaposed with precise detail work—delicate diamond rings adorned her fingers while her vivid yellow manicure and pedicure provided unexpected pops of color. Her hair, styled in a deliberately undone updo with face-framing tendrils, echoed the organic, unraveling aesthetic of her gown. The look was completed with understated diamond earrings and sharp black heels that grounded the otherwise ethereal ensemble.
For the ceremony itself, Tyla pivoted to contemporary casual with equal skin exposure. Her second look featured an unbuttoned azure silk shirt revealing her midriff, paired with frayed denim cut-offs that sat provocatively low on her hips. The high-low juxtaposition continued with ornate beaded pink heels and an oversized suede jacket in rich chocolate brown. A statement beaded necklace completed this study in contrasts.
Her beauty remained consistently sophisticated, with her makeup artist crafting a naturally luminous canvas that allowed her radiant complexion to shine. The standout beauty element—her sunshine-yellow manicure—was an intricate creation by nail artist Peng, who revealed the process behind the custom hue: “I mixed Après Nails’ Lemon Sour with Cloud Nine and Hi-Lite from their French Manicure collection to achieve that perfect illuminating yellow that would elevate her seemingly simple look.”
The evening culminated with Tyla’s performance of her latest hit “Push 2 Start,” for which she unveiled a third transformation—a deconstructed black suit featuring floral cutouts and asymmetrical trousers with one full-length leg paired with a micro-short on the opposite side. The ensemble was anchored by a neon yellow bra that perfectly matched her manicure, creating a visual through-line across her evening’s fashion narrative.
As the music industry continues to embrace bold new voices, Tyla’s fearless approach to fashion proves she’s pushing boundaries in more ways than one. Whether wrapped in couture webbing or redefining suiting with unexpected cutouts, her style statements echo her musical innovation—unapologetic, boundary-pushing, and impossible to ignore.
