Tyla Channels 2025 Met Gala Co-Chair Pharrell Williams in a Striped Bowler Hat and Bubble Dress

Pharrell Williams walked so Tyla could run.

Tyla is seen in the Upper East Side on May 04, 2025 in New York City ahead of the met gala
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Though it was her first time attending, Tyla's 2024 Met Gala outfit will be remembered for decades as one of the best to ever come out of the Costume Institute's annual benefit. It's a look that most certainly will not be lost to the sands of time—despite being sculpted out of sand by Balmain.

Today, the "Water" singer is revving up for what will surely be another history-making appearance. Before taking the fabled Met steps, Tyla has served up an elaborate look to tide fans over in the meantime.

On the first Sunday in May, Tyla stepped out in a pre-Met Gala 'fit worthy of the momentous event. Her flamboyant ensemble by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker was coated entirely in orange stripes—even down to the matching statement hat. She was outfitted in a corseted bubble dress, replete with puff sleeves and a built-in necktie. The latter was undoubtedly a reference to tonight's "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme.

Tyla is seen in the Upper East Side on May 04, 2025 in New York City ahead of the met gala

Tyla stepped out on May 4 in a striped bubble dress and matching bowler hat.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Her hero accessory also may have been a coded reference to the upcoming event, which will be hosted by Pharrell Williams, alongside A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton. Tyla wore a bubbly bowler-slash-top hat hybrid, not unlike the style Williams is known for.

The R&B singer famously wore a cartoon-like 10-gallon hat by Vivienne Westwood to the 2014 Grammys. The iconic ensemble easily could have been the inspiration behind Tyla's look—at the very least, it set the stage.

Pharrell Williams attends the 56th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2014 in Los Angeles, California in an oversized hat.

Pharrell Williams wore a massive felt hat to the 2014 GRAMMY Awards.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

As of now, neither singer has confirmed who will be dressing them for the 2025 Met Gala (or if they'll swerve and wear a vintage look instead). Given Williams's role as creative director of Louis Vuitton, it's a near certainty that he'll debut a style from the luxury brand. Tyla's outfit, however, will surely surprise us all.

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Kelsey Stiegman
Contributor

Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance fashion editor and writer, specializing in e-commerce and fashion news. With more than ten years of experience in digital media, Kelsey has a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. At Marie Claire, she provides witty celeb style commentary, unpacking the style choices of stars like Zoë KravitzDua LipaSelena Gomez, and her fashion superhero, Rihanna. When she’s not tracking the personal style of Hollywood’s elite, Kelsey also covers designer collabs and industry news.

Before taking her talents to Marie Claire, Kelsey was the Senior Fashion Editor at Bustle, where she oversaw the site’s fashion coverage and launched a successful luxury handbag series called Secure The Bag. Prior to Bustle, she came from a six-year stint at Seventeen, during which she managed the team’s fashion and beauty verticals and led e-commerce strategy. In her freelance era, Kelsey contributes to publications like InStyle, CosmopolitanGlamour, and more. She also offers consulting services and content creation, in addition to writing and editing. Follow @klstieg on Instagram for 'fit pics and travel recommendations.