Last night, at the third annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala at Paramount Studios, the dress code was clear: “Black tie and Black designer.”
And among a sea of stars championing the cause, Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr made an unforgettable entrance, embodying angelic drama in a stunning feathered creation by Nigerian-born designer Tia Adeola.
In a room filled with industry titans like Meghan Markle, Kelly Rowland, and honoree Tina Knowles, Starr held her own, proving once again that her star power extends far beyond the music charts. Styled by the visionary Elly Karamoh, the “Rush” singer opted for a two-piece ensemble that was pure sartorial poetry.
The look featured a daringly constructed halter top that exploded into an asymmetrical plume of white feathers, paired with a matching low-slung skirt that cascaded into a cloud of delicate plumage around her feet. The design, both ethereal and audacious, perfectly captured the bold femininity that defines both the singer and the designer.
The look was a masterclass in details. Makeup artist Rokael Lizama gave Starr a vibrant pop of magenta eyeshadow that cut through the all-white palette, a colour echoed in her elegant drop earrings. Her hair, sculpted into a curly updo by Keesha Coombs, added a touch of classic glamour to the avant-garde silhouette.
Held to celebrate Black excellence and drive economic equity for Black-owned businesses, the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala was the perfect venue for such a statement. Tia Adeola, known for her Renaissance-inspired yet modern designs, has become a force in the New York fashion scene, making this pairing a powerful nod to the Pledge’s core mission.
Starr, who shared on her socials that she “loves being in a room full of inspiring women,” not only understood the assignment but became a walking embodiment of it: a global talent wearing a Black designer at an event dedicated to uplifting Black creators.
As the Fifteen Percent Pledge continues to break barriers—having already funnelled over $10 billion in revenue to Black brands—Ayra Starr’s appearance was more than just a red-carpet moment. It was a symbol of the next generation of Black talent, artists who are as intentional about their style as they are about their platform.
