Tyla traded water for sand on the 2024 Met Gala.

For her inaugural Met, the singer turned to Balmain to assist her carry her fantastical look to life. Latching onto time because the operative phrase from the evening’s Backyard of Time costume code, the Balmain staff original Tyla a costume product of sand—a nod to the sands of time.

Olivier Rousteing, inventive director of Balmain, was significantly intrigued by the concept of ephemerality for Tyla’s costume. “The inspiration behind this creation stemmed from a want to redefine boundaries and rework a transient materials into an eternal masterpiece,” he tells Vogue. “The concept of sculpting a garment from one thing as ephemeral as sand ignited my creativeness, and I couldn’t be happier with the top outcome.”

“We had been seeking to do one thing inventive, one thing utterly completely different for my first Met Gala,” Tyla says. “So when Balmain confirmed me the concept and sketch, I simply knew it was excellent. The concept was loopy, and I liked it. I’m excited and a bit nervous, however I’m trying ahead to having a enjoyable evening at The Met!”