When South Africa’s rising pop star, Tyla, chooses her clothes, there are two essential qualities she looks for: the ability to allow her to dance freely and the ability to move comfortably.
While describing her personal style, the young and talented artist who brought us the hit song “Water” emphasized the importance of feeling comfortable. However, her definition of comfort does not extend to casual attire like sweatpants and jerseys, particularly when she is in the public eye.
Additionally, the rise of her online presence on TikTok, which now boasts over 7.2 million followers, has seen “comfortable” translate to performing her own dance routines in unique outfits like macramé tube tops and very short miniskirts.
Just weeks ago, “comfortable” meant a glamorous, seafoam green Versace gown shimmering with fishnet overlays—a dazzling costume fit for a modern Venus. Tyla wore this as she proudly accepted the first-ever Grammy for Best African Music Performance for her chart-topping R&B hit, “Water.” Today, “comfortable” has a whole new meaning: a stylish linen set as she dances effortlessly in Gap’s Spring 2024 campaign, marking her debut with a major global fashion brand.
The video showcases Tyla and a group of dancers performing Shay Latukolan’s energetic choreography to “Back On 74,” a catchy, genre-blending song by the British group Jungle, which has amassed over one billion views on TikTok.
Each dancer is adorned in comfortable and flowing pieces from Gap’s spring collection, crafted from breathable linen fabric. Tyla’s outfit features a stylish cropped top and relaxed-fit cargo pants, accented by a swaying chain-link belt. The video not only highlights the comfortable nature of the clothing but also demonstrates how it can convey confidence and a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both movement and style.
“I love marrying my music and the way I look, I feel like it goes hand in hand,” Tyla explains. “I see that also sonically with my album that’s coming out, and with the Gap campaign.”
As Tyla embarks on her first major tour and showcases her characteristic drive and ambition, the artist is infusing her on-stage style with even more personal expression.
A passionate supporter of South African designers, such as the talented LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize winner Thebe Magugu, she proudly weaves elements of her heritage into her fashion choices.
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