In the realm of red-carpet fashion, certain looks transcend the ages, remaining timeless regardless of evolving trends.
Among these, Aaliyah’s iconic tiger-print Roberto Cavalli dress, famously worn at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, stands out as a defining moment in fashion history. Celebrated not just for its audacious design, the gown has become a significant reference point for stars and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Fast forward to the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, held in Manchester, England, where South African-born artist Tyla made headlines by channeling the essence of Aaliyah. Attending the prestigious ceremony, Tyla donned a striking variation of Aaliyah’s memorable look—an identical Roberto Cavalli gown, reimagined in a stunning sky blue hue.
Photo: Getty Images While the color choice diverged from the vibrant canary yellow that Aaliyah made legendary, the gown’s other exquisite details remained true to its original form. With a cowl neckline and a dramatic shaggy fur-trimmed leg slit, Tyla’s entrance on the red carpet was reminiscent of Aaliyah’s powerful presence two decades prior.
Whereas Aaliyah complemented her iconic gown with simple black crisscross heels, Tyla elevated her ensemble with glossy black leather heels featuring intricate cutouts that extended just below her knees. This daring choice not only showcased her fashion-forward thinking but also added a contemporary twist to the classic silhouette.
Photo: KMazur/Getty Images Tyla further accessorized her look with luxurious Jacob & Co. jewelry, including a breathtaking choker necklace watch valued at a staggering $1 million, alongside diamond-encrusted hoop earrings and an eye-catching sparkly bracelet. These tasteful additions amplified the glamour of her appearance, merging new-age fashion with a tribute to a beloved icon.
Photo: Getty Images In honoring Aaliyah, Tyla also acknowledged her devoted fan base, whom she affectionately refers to as her “Tygers.” This connection demonstrates the impact of Aaliyah’s legacy within the contemporary music landscape, serving as an inspiration for emerging artists like Tyla.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s moments like these that remind us of the lasting imprint fashion icons leave behind. Tyla’s retro homage not only reinvigorates Aaliyah’s unforgettable style but also intertwines their artistic journeys, proving that fashion can transcend time and space, uniting generations under a shared admiration for bold self-expression.
The singer who won awards for Best R&B, Best African Act, and Best Afrobeats at the event previously told Bazaar about her affinity for animal prints.
“I love incorporating tiger print and the effortless island vibes—especially in this era, because it’s obviously me introducing myself to the world and those themes are heavy in the stuff that we’re doing. We’re introducing it as part of the Tyla story,” she said.
“It’s just so fun to make it all exciting for the fans. I’m excited to perform more and give people more visuals and content and just expand the world that we’ve created and allow more people in—just like how it used to be when I was younger and I was a fan girl. I really wanna create that type of excitement again.”
