Tyla is covered in real sand — and can barely move — on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet
Tyla’s ephemeral dress brings new meaning to hourglass silhouette.
The “Water” singer, 22, hit the red carpet at the 2024 Met Gala wearing a sand-covered Balmain gown paired with a matching purse shaped like a literal hourglass.
While the official dress-code for the night was “The Garden of Time,” she was instead inspired by “the sands of time” for the distinctive design, as she explained during Vogue’s livestream.
Tyla sported a sand-covered Balmain gown for her first Met Gala appearance. Getty Images
The design was made based on a cast of her body. Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
She further nodded to the “sands of time” inspiration with an hourglass purse. Getty Images
Balmain’s creative director Olive Rousteing echoed to the fashion outlet that the “idea of sculpting a garment from something as ephemeral as sand ignited my imagination and I could not be happier with the end result.”
The strapless design was based on a cast of the singer’s body before the organza train was incased with three different colors of sand — plus micro-crystal studs for some added shine.
Perhaps Tyla had better hope no one makes her sweat at the Met, as it’s unclear how the gown stands up to wear and tear.
She did bring some water to the event, however, in the form of her manicure, which was affix with clear drips at the tip.
The star had help getting her dress up the Met steps. AFP via Getty Images
The dress was crafted from three different types of sand grains. AFP via Getty Images
When asked by E! on the red carpet whether she’d be able to sit in the sculptural style, she replied, “Who cares, guys, I’m cute!”
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She had some help navigating the steps of the museum at the start of the night, as five men were seen carrying the textured train. She also got a lift, with the same helpers physically picking her up to ascend the stairs.
The star completed her look with fresh-faced glam from Pat McGrath Labs, including Skin Fetish Foundation ($69) and a shimmering swipe of Lust Lip Gloss in Faux Real ($29).
The Balmain gown was designed to be ephemeral. Getty Images
She told E! “who cares” if she can sit in the distinctive design. REUTERS
Tonight marked the South African singer’s Met Gala debut, although she’s no stranger to turning heads on red carpets.
At the 2024 Grammys — where she took home her first-ever graomphone statuette — she stunned in an off-the-shoulder mint green Versace look.
As the sands of time slip by, it’s safe to say they’ll be more show-stopping looks from Tyla on the horizon.
