Tyla brings Zulu beadwork to the streets, pairing her grandmother’s handiwork with baggy denim.
Image: Instagram
Global superstar Tyla has proudly celebrated her South African roots in a heartfelt fashion tribute to her grandmother on her birthday.
Taking to Instagram, the Grammy Award-nominated songstress shared an image of herself wearing hand-made Zulu beadwork, captioning it: “My gran handmade this and reminds me every time I visit that I BETTA post her piece 🤏🏽🙂↕️ #APOP HBD gran💋 #custombbyyyy.”
The “Chanel” hitmaker, known for her bold experimentation and distinctive fashion sense, paired the beadwork as a top with baggy jeans and an elegant updo. This choice was a subtle yet striking statement, blending South African heritage with contemporary style. By pairing the vibrant beads with denim - a universally casual, modern fabric- Tyla seamlessly honors her roots while adapting the look to her own aesthetic. The beads pop against the simplicity of the denim, creating a visually balanced and impactful, yet daring backless outfit.
This ensemble reflects the 24-year-old’s growing fashion presence and her confidence in expressing identity through style. Tyla continues to let the details of her outfits tell a story, earning widespread admiration in the comments section. South African actress and TV host Bontle Modiselle shared a heart emoji ❤️, while @wand.official wrote, “Shaka Zulu would be so proud 😭🫵🏾,” and @realphilsande added, “Zulu, Zulu & Zulu ❤️.”
Tyla has consistently embraced her mixed heritage, which includes Zulu, Indian, Mauritian and Irish roots, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that shape her identity.
This look comes after yet another daring fit. Last month, she made headlines during Paris Fashion Week when she was seen leaving a hotel in Paris wearing what appeared to be a temporary tattoo across the front of her torso instead of a top. The design mimicked the shape of a jacket across her chest, while the back remained completely bare.
The bold body art featured a snakeskin-inspired print that wrapped across her torso and arms. Tyla paired the look with a pair of unbuttoned jeans that sat low on her hips, adding to the edgy aesthetic.