Nominated for four awards, Tyla sashayed onto the red carpet like she was headlining a fashionista circus, decked out in a vintage Versace gown that basically screamed, “Look at me, peasants!” This 2004 stunner was the epitome of extra, with intricate stud detailing, an open back, a cutout halter neckline that plunged south of the equator, and a front slit so daring it revealed an animal print lining. Yep, the gown was part fierce feline, part gladiator, and entirely fabulous.
As if her ensemble wasn’t already dripping in opulence, Tyla accessorized with $230,000 worth of natural diamonds from Jared Atelier. That’s right, she was basically a walking diamond mine with 70 carats of sparkle. Her bling collection included pear-shaped morganite and diamond drop earrings, a diamond ring that probably doubled as a flashlight, another pear-shaped morganite and diamond ring (because one isn’t enough), a Jared Atelier diamond tennis bracelet, and a Jared Atelier x Shy emerald-cut diamond tennis bracelet. Basically, she was the human equivalent of a disco ball.
This latest fashion coup was just another notch on Tyla’s couture belt. In May, she rocked the Met Gala in a Balmain gown made entirely of sand. Yes, sand. She looked like a glamorous sandcastle that had come to life. And at the Grammys in February, she dazzled in an asymmetrical pistachio-green Versace gown adorned with netted crystals, because why not dress like a fabulous seafoam dream?
Tyla, at the ripe old age of 22, skyrocketed to international fame with her hit single “Water” in July 2023. She’s already bagged the Best International Act award and is gunning for three more trophies, including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. She’s also set to perform at the awards show alongside fellow nominees Ice Spice, Victoria Monet, and none other than “Bad Boys” star Will Smith. Her latest look was just another chapter in the epic saga of jaw-dropping outfits she’s paraded this year.
But it hasn’t all been glitz and glam. In early March, Tyla announced via Instagram that she was canceling her North American tour and postponing her European shows due to a medical condition. “Words cannot describe my frustration at this pivotal point in my career. So please know that my team and I are working diligently on a spectacular show for you as soon as I am recovered and ready to return safely onstage this summer,” she wrote, probably while surrounded by a cloud of diamond dust and couture fabric.
The 2024 BET Awards airs on June 30 at 8 P.M. ET/PT live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Prepare for more Tyla and more sparkle than a magpie’s dream nest.
