Tyla Met Gala: Meet the Star Who Won This Year’s Red Carpet

At her very first Met Gala, Tyla was easily the best dressed of the evening. Now, it’s time to get familiar with the star.

Attending the Met Gala for the first time is decidedly no small feat. There are Kim Kardashian antics to contend with, flocks of photographers shouting from all angles, and, of course, the daunting task of ascending steep steps as the internet eagerly judges on. But at the 2024 Met Gala, one newbie arguably stole the show: Tyla.

What did Tyla wear to the Met Gala?

Known best as the singer of “Water,” a bop that has taken over TikTok, the 22-year-old star came to the Met with a look that added new depth to her artistry. Wearing a body-hugging Balmain dress made of actual sand, her hourglass figure mimicked a glass timer, making for a perfectly on-theme ensemble.

ICYMI, this year’s “Garden of Time” dress code is based on a 1962 dystopian short story of the same name. Themes of the tale are nature’s dwindling resources, the passage of time and, according to Vogue, the overarching concept of “fleeting beauty.” While many stars went a more literal route by incorporating branches, rosettes and floral motifs, Tyla steered clear of the garden and wandered straight into the dessert.

Moulded to fit her body and flowing into a mermaid silhouette, her “sands of time” gown was accessorized with a literal hourglass bag among other show-stopping details. Shimmery sand stuck to her forearms and shoulders, while her glowy glam — done by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath — evoked a sun-kissed sculpture. To top it all off, the star’s wet-looking bob added to the beachy beauty and nodded to her “Water” hit.

So, who exactly is Tyla?

Née Tyla Laura Seethal, the South African singer has been rising to mainstream heights for some time. Along with having an algorithm-dominating hit, she won her first Grammy award in 2024 — at just 22 years old. In March, she released a debut self-titled album, which has already been met with critical acclaim. So it’s perhaps no surprise, then, that her Met Gala look would be another main character moment.

Though the Met marked new territory for the singer, it isn’t her first time being deemed best dressed. At the Grammys, her pistachio cut-out gown was an instant internet favourite. And towards the end of last year, she made waves at an…