Tyla delivered another major fashion moment at tonight’s MTV VMAs, wearing a tiny beige Chanel minidress on the red carpet. She accessorized with chains of gold medallions around her neck, wrist, and waist—all by Pandora. She also wore a pair of super-short black shorts to avoid any unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions.

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Johnny Nunez//Getty Images

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The look appears to be archival, and perhaps a reference to the house’s spring 1993 collection. Model Claudia Schiffer modeled the piece on the runway.

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The star’s song “PUSH 2 START” has two nominations this evening: Best Afrobeats Song and Best Choreography.

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Tyla won her first VMA last year for Best Afrobeats Song; it was also her first time at the awards show.

In her speech, the South African artist spoke candidly about the awards show’s treatment of the genre. She started by saying, “The global impact that [my song] ‘Water’ has had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music, too.”

She then added: “This is just so special, but also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats. It’s a thing, and even though Afrobeats has run things and has opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse. It’s more than just Afrobeats.”

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Some viewed Tyla’s speech as an attack on Afrobeats rather than the VMAs’ organizers. Tyla spoke to British Vogue in February about how that was not her intention in the slightest: “Afrobeats is the reason we are even getting recognized,” she said. “It’s a genre that broke down many doors. I was just feeling a certain way about it because it is the only African category, and it takes away from both Afrobeats and amapiano.”

She also addressed her 2025 plans, saying, “I really feel like I have changed so much since ‘Water’ and my debut album. I have grown into a different version of myself. A little more spicy, a little more bold. I’m excited to just put that into the music.”

She is open to exploring other parts of the entertainment industry too, she hinted: “Music is my first love. Maybe one day I’ll want to dabble in acting, beauty, creative directing, fashion…I really have a love for it all and I know I can do it all.”

Tyla turned heads at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards not only for her music but also for her bold fashion choice that instantly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments. The South African singer, who has been rising steadily in global charts, stepped onto the red carpet in what many dubbed the “tiniest dress” of the evening—a daring, barely-there ensemble that blurred the line between couture and performance art. Social media was immediately flooded with photos, memes, and debates over her outfit, with fans celebrating her fearless confidence and critics questioning whether it was too revealing for the occasion.

The dress, designed by a young avant-garde fashion house, was crafted from shimmering metallic fabric that clung to Tyla’s figure like liquid silver. Its cut was minimalistic to the extreme, with high slits, an exposed midriff, and a neckline that left little to the imagination. Paired with sky-high heels and diamond accessories, the look was equal parts provocative and glamorous, showcasing Tyla’s willingness to take risks on one of the industry’s biggest stages. Stylists praised her for making a statement, while fashion commentators described it as a deliberate move to solidify her image as one of music’s boldest new style icons.

The internet response was immediate and intense. Within minutes of her red-carpet appearance, hashtags like #TylasDress and #VMAsFashion began trending across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Many fans hailed her as the best-dressed of the night, applauding her for pushing boundaries and bringing fresh energy to an event that thrives on bold fashion statements. Others, however, felt the look was more shock value than style, with some even comparing it to costumes seen at past VMAs by stars like Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Lil’ Kim. Still, even her critics acknowledged that Tyla had achieved the ultimate goal of the VMAs red carpet: getting people talking.

Fashion analysts pointed out that Tyla’s choice was a strategic one. The VMAs have long been a platform where artists use style to define their brand, and Tyla is at a critical moment in her career where visibility is everything. By embracing a daring aesthetic, she ensured her presence would not go unnoticed in a sea of established superstars. For a rising artist, this kind of bold risk can translate into long-lasting impact, especially when amplified by viral attention. Her “tiniest dress” instantly became a cultural reference point, guaranteeing that her VMAs debut would not be forgotten.

Beyond the fashion, Tyla’s night was also about music. She performed her breakout single with a high-energy set that blended Afrobeats rhythms with sleek choreography, proving that she is more than just a style headline. Yet, it was the combination of her performance and her unforgettable outfit that cemented her as a breakout star of the night. Industry insiders noted that the VMAs have always rewarded risk-takers, and Tyla seems to have understood that lesson perfectly, following in the footsteps of artists who used the event to catapult themselves to the next level of fame.

The buzz surrounding Tyla’s dress also sparked deeper conversations about fashion, empowerment, and self-expression. For some, her choice symbolized freedom and the power of women owning their sexuality on their own terms. For others, it reignited debates about how female artists are scrutinized differently than their male counterparts when it comes to appearances. Regardless of where one falls in the debate, it was undeniable that Tyla had managed to capture the zeitgeist, using a single outfit to inspire conversations that went far beyond the VMAs stage.

By the end of the night, Tyla’s “tiniest dress” had secured its place in VMA fashion history. Just as previous moments from artists like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Cardi B became unforgettable pop culture snapshots, Tyla’s bold choice will likely be remembered for years to come. Whether celebrated as iconic or criticized as controversial, her look proved that she knows exactly how to command attention in a competitive industry.