Tyla Stuns in Bold Snakeskin Bra and Low-Rise Skirt at the 2026 MTV VMAs

Published: September 28, 2026 Last Updated 5 minutes ago by FPN

South African artist Tyla demonstrated her reputation for bold fashion by arriving at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in a blue snakeskin-print bra and ultra-low-rise skirt, embodying the evening’s confident and daring spirit.

The two-time Grammy winner and presenter appeared on the red carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, presenting a look that combined Y2K influences with high-fashion elements.

The ensemble, from Mowalola’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection (shown days earlier at London Fashion Week), included a structured snakeskin-print bra top and a matching knee-length pencil skirt worn low on the hips.

The design emphasized her midriff and hip bones, offering a subtle back detail and creating a silhouette that was both striking and architectural.

Tyla completed the look with a teal snakeskin-print choker, beige snakeskin heeled pumps, and jewelry including earrings, rings, a belly piercing, and an anklet, reportedly featuring a Chopard Haute Joaillerie piece styled as an ankle monitor. Her hair was half-braided and loose, maintaining focus on the outfit’s visual impact.

The look aligned with the VMAs’ reputation for innovative style. Unlike more formal awards shows, the Video Music Awards encourage experimentation, and Tyla embraced this opportunity.

Fans and fashion commentators praised the outfit online, noting that Tyla’s physique contributed to the overall statement, echoing her previous remarks about loving when “my body is the outfit.”

Tyla attended the 2026 ceremony as a presenter, returning to the VMAs after consecutive Best Afrobeats Video wins in 2024 and 2025 for “Water” and “Push 2 Start.”

She introduced LISA’s performance of “SaWaDiKa,” adding to her list of major-stage appearances.

Snoop Dogg hosted the event, which featured performers and presenters including Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Teyana Taylor, and others.

Her red-carpet appearance coincides with a significant point in her career.

In July 2026, Tyla released her second album, APop*, which she described as a tribute to her inner child and a statement that African music is pop music.

The 14-track album, released through FAX and Epic, features collaborations such as one with Zara Larsson and blends amapiano, Afropop, and contemporary production. The album’s vibrant energy has influenced her current style direction.

Fashion has become a central aspect of Tyla’s public identity. Earlier in 2026, she wore a custom Valentino gown by Alessandro Michele at the Met Gala, featuring turquoise and crystal elements inspired by peacock motifs, developed in collaboration with her stylist.

She also appeared in a pale pink, lingerie-inspired Valentino minidress at the brand’s fall/winter 2026 show in Rome.

In interviews around the Met Gala, Tyla discussed how her relationship with clothing evolved after entering the industry, shifting from childhood dress-up and family Met Gala viewing to a deeper appreciation of fashion as an art form.

This summer, she expanded her fashion presence when Kate Spade New York named her a global brand ambassador.

She led the label’s fall 2026 campaign shortly after APop*’s release, noting that the brand’s colorful and expressive spirit aligned with the album’s tone. The partnership highlights how Tyla connects music and style to project joy, confidence, and individuality.

The Mowalola snakeskin set was effective because it reflected Tyla’s authentic style. Low-rise silhouettes, exposed midriffs, and body-conscious designs are recurring themes in her wardrobe, making the ultra-low pencil skirt a natural extension of her aesthetic.

The snakeskin print introduced a bold edge that contrasted with the polished glamour of other arrivals, while the coordinated accessories unified the look.

Among a variety of red-carpet styles, Tyla’s choice stood out for its confident and playful approach. It reinforced her status as a modern style reference for a generation that embraces Y2K influences.

As one observer put it in coverage of the night, the look was “fun, unexpected and completely in tune with her unique fashion identity.”​

With APop* still resonating, a world tour approaching, and major fashion partnerships in progress, Tyla continues to approach 2026 with the same energy she brings to both the stage and the red carpet.

Her 2026 VMAs appearance was more than a red-carpet photo opportunity; it was a clear statement that she remains one of the most dynamic and influential figures in contemporary pop culture.