The 2024 MTV EMAs turned into a nostalgic tribute as South African singer Tyla took the stage in an archival Roberto Cavalli tiger print dress, mirroring an iconic look worn by the late R&B legend Aaliyah at the 2000 MTV VMAs. Tyla, who performed and won two awards that night in Manchester, embraced vintage flair with the teal fur-trimmed gown from Cavalli’s Fall 2000 collection, evoking a timeless style that made fashion history.
Styled by Ronnie Hart, who has also worked with stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Anitta, Tyla completed her look with eye-catching Jacob & Co. jewelry, including a diamond-studded watch choker. She stepped out in chic Paris Texas cutout heels, adding a contemporary touch to the vintage ensemble.
Tyla’s beauty team gave her a flawless finish: hairstylist Louis Souvestre swept her highlighted hair into a half-updo, while makeup artist Jimmy Stam highlighted her eyes with sleek black eyeliner and a nude lip, subtly amplifying her look’s nostalgic vibes.
This isn’t Tyla’s first venture into vintage fashion. At the 2024 CFDA Awards, she wowed in a 1996 lace Gucci minidress, and at the BET Hip Hop Awards, she shone in a sequined John Galliano dress from the early 2000s. Tyla has firmly established herself as a vintage style icon, drawing the industry’s attention with her bold, retro-inspired looks.
The legacy of Roberto Cavalli, who passed away earlier this year, lives on through pieces like this tiger print gown, which was also showcased in Cavalli’s spring 2025 collection by the brand’s current creative director, Fausto Puglisi. Known for dressing stars like Aaliyah, Cavalli’s designs continue to inspire a new generation of fashion enthusiasts like Tyla.
Tyla has already established herself as one of fashion’s rising stars, making headlines at the 2024 Met Gala in a Balmain gown crafted from sand. With her knack for choosing standout vintage pieces, Tyla’s homage to Aaliyah at the MTV EMAs is another stunning moment, blending her own artistic essence with the timeless legacy of a music and fashion icon.