South African music sensation Tyla found herself at the center of a fashion controversy following her performance at Coachella 2025. The Grammy-winning artist, who skyrocketed to international fame with her hit single Water, faced public scrutiny when observers drew comparisons between her festival outfit and Britney Spears’ memorable 2001 MTV Video Music Awards ensemble.
The comparison quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with numerous commentators suggesting the 23-year-old artist had deliberately recreated Spears’ iconic look. Both performers wore green bra tops paired with embellished shorts, creating a visual parallel that many found striking. However, Tyla swiftly responded to these claims, asserting her outfit choice was not influenced by the pop veteran.
When confronted with the accusation via social media, Tyla responded definitively that while she respects Spears, her outfit selection was made independently based on her own aesthetic preferences. Following a now-deleted post labeling her a copycat, Tyla responded with unmistakable clarity, requesting the critic refrain from further commentary. Her direct response demonstrated her unwillingness to allow others to define her artistic choices.
Love her but I just thought the outfit was fly…no inspo
— Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) April 20, 2025
Vintage luxury meets contemporary styling
The outfit in question featured carefully selected vintage Dolce & Gabbana pieces that showcased Tyla’s sophisticated fashion sensibility. The ensemble centered around a green balconette bra from the design house’s spring 2001 collection. She paired this with intricately detailed denim shorts featuring distinctive green fringe, elaborate beading work, and decorative safety pin elements that created a cohesive aesthetic statement.
Fashion historians and industry insiders have noted that Tyla’s styling embraced the resurgent Y2K aesthetic that has dominated recent fashion cycles. This revival of early 2000s fashion elements has been prominent across runways and street style, with numerous contemporary artists incorporating these nostalgic references into their visual presentations.
Distinct performance aesthetics
While surface-level similarities exist between the outfits, the contextual presentation and styling differed significantly. Spears’ 2001 performance incorporated theatrical elements including a live python and elaborate jungle-themed staging that created a comprehensive fantasy environment. The performance remains one of the most discussed moments in VMAs history, cemented in pop culture as a defining career moment.
In contrast, Tyla’s Coachella appearance projected a futuristic interpretation of pop artistry. Her presentation featured contemporary hairstyling with architectural elements, progressive makeup techniques, and choreography that reflected current performance trends. These elements combined to create a distinctly modern aesthetic experience that diverged significantly from the reference point of Spears’ earlier performance.
Established pattern of vintage inspiration
This isn’t the first time Tyla has incorporated vintage designer pieces into her performance wardrobe. At the 2024 MTV European Music Awards, she wore a meticulously selected vintage Roberto Cavalli gown that fashion enthusiasts recognized as an homage to Aaliyah’s style legacy. This thoughtful selection demonstrated her appreciation for fashion history while establishing her own visual identity.
Cultural impact beyond fashion
The discussion surrounding Tyla’s Coachella appearance extends beyond mere fashion comparison. At just 23 years old, she represents a new generation of global artists reshaping the international music landscape. Her breakthrough success has positioned her as a significant cultural ambassador for South African music, introducing international audiences to amapiano and other regional sounds.
Negotiating creative identity
The controversy highlights the challenges facing emerging artists as they navigate establishing unique identities while acknowledging influences. Fashion recycling remains inevitable in an industry with decades of documented history, making distinctions between inspiration, homage, and coincidence increasingly nuanced.
Industry veterans note that female artists frequently face heightened scrutiny regarding their fashion choices compared to their male counterparts. This gendered criticism often minimizes their musical accomplishments by overemphasizing visual elements of their performances.
Tyla maintains that her fashion choice was simply based on what she thought looked good, not on any specific inspiration from Britney Spears. She expressed appreciation for Spears while firmly establishing that the outfit was selected for its aesthetic appeal rather than as a deliberate recreation. When faced with continued criticism, she firmly defended her creative independence.
As Tyla continues her ascent in the global music industry, her assertive response to criticism demonstrates confidence extending beyond her musical talents. By refusing external narratives about her creative choices, she establishes herself as an artist with clear boundaries and strong personal vision.
Her blend of vintage appreciation and contemporary innovation creates a distinctive artistic signature resonating with audiences across generations. As the fashion conversation subsides, attention returns to her musical accomplishments and ongoing contributions to the international pop landscape.
With upcoming projects and performances scheduled throughout 2025, Tyla continues building on the momentum established by her breakthrough success. Fashion moments may generate temporary discussion, but her musical impact promises more enduring cultural significance.
