Last night in New York City, the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards welcomed a lineup of stars, but none shone brighter than South African singer Tyla, who made a dazzling debut on the event’s red carpet. With her unique blend of music and fashion, Tyla is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Tyla’s eye-catching appearance at the awards featured a stunning sheer black lace minidress, paired with vibrant lime-green hotpants from Gucci’s spring/summer 1996 collection.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images This daring choice reflected her bold personality and willingness to push fashion boundaries. The look not only highlighted her figure but also made a statement about her artistic identity, which she has been cultivating over the past year.
In a night filled with glamour alongside other stars like Blake Lively and host Cynthia Erivo, Tyla showcased that she is not just another artist but a rising icon whose influence is resonating deeply in the fashion world.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage In an exclusive interview with ELLE published in their October issue, Tyla shared her reflections on her rapid ascent to fame over the last year. “I do feel like I’ve changed a lot in the span of a few months; people may not see it,” she said, hinting at her musical evolution. Tyla views 2024 as her personal introduction to the world, a period of growth and exploration.
She candidly addressed the pressures of being compared to legends like Rihanna and Britney Spears, saying, “Initially I used to care. Recently I’ve just been feeling, ‘They’re gonna say what they wanna say.’” This newfound confidence illustrates her commitment to authenticity and creative expression.
“I do feel like I’ve changed a lot in the span of a few months; people may not see it. I’m excited to see that in my next album.” She added that she used to feel annoyed at the comparisons to Rihanna and “I’m a Slave 4 U”-era Britney Spears.
“Initially I used to care,” she began. “Recently I’ve just been feeling, ‘They’re gonna say what they wanna say, and it doesn’t even matter because I know it’s not that.’”
Looking to the future, Tyla expressed enthusiasm for the creative journey that lies ahead. “This year was me introducing myself. Next year I’m just gonna have fun,” she exclaimed.
“Do whatever, wear whatever. I’m just playing around a lot, and bringing a lot of my roots into my music. It’s still gonna be me, still sweaty vibes, but evolved,” she added.
Her intention to “do whatever, wear whatever” speaks to her playful spirit and desire to integrate her roots into her music, promising fans an evolved sound that remains true to her identity.
Moreover, Tyla reflected on her history with modeling, admitting that it initially felt “awkward.”
“But I realized that if there’s a bad shot, we’ll get a good one,” she said. “I’m more comfortable making mistakes.”
Overall, she is “very involved in everything that I do: my sound, my image, what I wear, what I look like,” she explained. “It does matter, and it does matter that it goes with how I’m feeling, and it ties in with the music. Because at the end of the day, I’m an artist. I model, but it’s on the side.”
However, her recent foray into the fashion sphere proves she is adapting and thriving in this new arena. Her presence at the CFDA Fashion Awards is a testament to her growing confidence and ability to embrace change, both in her music and personal style.
