Mýa Honors Aaliyah in Custom Cavalli by Fausto Puglisi at Essence Fest
Mýa brought fashion history and R&B nostalgia together at Essence Fest, wearing a custom Cavalli look by creative director Fausto Puglisi for the One in a Million, Forever tribute celebrating the legacy of Aaliyah.
The singer’s performance wardrobe was a thoughtful tribute to one of Aaliyah’s most unforgettable fashion moments: the iconic Roberto Cavalli Fall/Winter 2000 dress she wore to the MTV Video Music Awards. Aaliyah’s original look became a defining red-carpet image of the early 2000s, capturing her signature mix of high fashion, edge, confidence and effortless cool.
For the Essence Fest stage, Mýa’s custom Cavalli ensemble reimagined that energy for a new generation. The look honored the drama and glamour of the original design while feeling made for performance—bold, sensual and powerful under the lights.
The fashion choice added another emotional layer to the tribute. Aaliyah was never only known for her music; she was a true style innovator whose influence continues to shape fashion, beauty and pop culture decades later. Her ability to make daring designer fashion feel natural and authentic helped create a visual legacy that remains instantly recognizable.
Mýa’s Cavalli moment was more than a beautiful stage look. It was a respectful nod to Aaliyah’s enduring impact, reminding the Essence Fest audience that her sound, style and spirit remain one in a million—forever.
