Tyla Channels Aaliyah in Archival Roberto Cavalli Tiger Print Dress at the 2024 MTV EMAs

Tyla took a hint from the late R&B singer Aaliyah on Sunday at the 2024 MTV EMAs in Manchester, England. The “Water” artist, who won two awards and performed during the ceremony, selected a teal fur-trimmed tiger print gown from the label’s fall 2000 collection, mirroring Aaliyah’s look at the MTV VMAs that year.

Stylist Ronnie Hart, who also counts Sabrina Carpenter and Anitta as clients, dressed Tyla for the occasion. She accessorized with Jacob & Co. jewelry, including a diamond-encrusted watch choker, and cutout Paris Texas heels.

Hairdresser Louis Souvestre styled Tyla’s highlighted tresses in a half-updo, while makeup artist Jimmy Stam gave her black eyeliner and a nude lip.

Tyla has been known to favor vintage looks: at the 2024 CFDA Awards last month, she modeled a lace Gucci minidress dated to 1996, and at the BET Hip Hop Awards, she wore a sequined John Galliano frock from the 2000s.

Designer Roberto Cavalli passed away earlier this year at the age of 83. Fausto Puglisi, who serves as the label’s current creative director, sent some of Cavalli’s archival designs down the runway during their spring 2025 presentation — including Tyla’s exact EMAs dress.

Cavalli dressed Aaliyah on multiple occasions throughout her career. The singer tragically died in a plane crash on Aug. 25, 2001.

Tyla made a name for herself as a rising fashion superstar at the 2024 Met Gala in May, where she wore a Balmain gown made of sand. Alongside stars like Zendaya, Gwendoline Christie and Lana Del Rey, the singer made WWD’s best dressed list at the “Garden of Time”-themed bash.