Did Tyla nail her peacock-inspired look at the 2026 Met Gala?
Image: X/@Complex
For the third time in a row, Tyla stepped onto the Met Gala carpet this year in a look that had everyone talking, just not all on the same side.
Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the 2026 Met Gala brought together some of the biggest names in music, film and fashion.
Even Beyoncé came out of Met Gala retirement for this one.
The stars came out to celebrate this year’s theme: “Costume Art”, which centres on fashion as art and the relationship between clothing and the human form. It’s one of the most watched nights on the fashion calendar, where pushing boundaries is the whole point.
Dressed in custom Valentino by Alessandro Michele, the 24-year-old Grammy-award winning singer leaned fully into a peacock-inspired moment. This marks the third time on fashion's biggest red-carpert moment and she took it a step further.
The outfit paired a sheer, silver-embellished top with a bold turquoise skirt, cut high to show off her legs and those aquamarine Valentino pumps. The whole look shimmered under the lights, with crystal details hanging from her wrists and bodice, catching every bit of movement.
The look did not only give “peacock” but mermaid too. Dripping in jewellery and shimmering from every angle like a goddess straight out of the sea, her wet look and make-up sealed it all together.
On the carpet interview with “Vogue”, she explained the thinking behind it: “I was really inspired by a peacock. I’m basically a shiny peacock today.” When her wet-look hair started drawing attention too, she laughed it off, adding, “It’s splashing on everyone, I’m sorry.”
And she looked the part. The wet-look hair added to that just-stepped-out-of-water feel, while the colour palette made sure she stood out in a sea of neutrals. It was dramatic, playful and very on theme with the night’s focus.
However, if there’s one thing about a Tyla look, it will spark opinions. After hours of waiting on the timeline to see the superstar’s highly anticipated look, many of her fans were left unimpressed while others felt that Tyla understood the assignment.
Social media immediately split into two camps.
@BhavMaharaj didn’t hold back: “I want to fight with Tyla’s stylist. That whole skirt should’ve been a dazzling peacock tail. It’s giving sari underskirt. 😭”
That sentiment carried into a bigger conversation about her past looks. @Bh46199Bhengu wrote: “Tyla peaked at the 2024 Met Gala and I’m standing on that. That sand dress wasn’t just a look, it was a moment cultural, intentional, unforgettable. This year and last year? Not sure. But 2024 set a standard she hasn’t touched since.”
Others were a bit more gentle but still not sold. @Vahmedoo commented: “Listen I ride at dawn for Tyla always , and I say this with love but this look isn’t it. She can and she will do better.”
On the other side, her supporters were just as loud. @lovely_doll was not feeling the comparisons: “I have to disagree with y’all saying that Tyla won’t ever top her Met debut. The dress was stunning, perfect- she couldn’t have been styled better but the iconic factor came from being carried like a Barbie/living statue moment. Last night’s look was almost there.”
And for some, it was a clear win. @Tokologo_maps summed it up: “Nah yall can say whatever but Tyla looked way too gorgeous man! She brought colour, she was amazing.”
Love it or not, Tyla did what the Met Gala is all about. She showed up, took a risk and got people talking.