Kehlani Wore An Archival Dior Outfit Designed by John Galliano for the 2025 BET Awards

The vocalist provides an exclusive glimpse into the preparations for her significant evening.

Brianna Alysse

For Sunday night’s BET Awards in Los Angeles, Kehlani aimed to embody “early 2000s effortless attire” on the red carpet, as she informed ELLE. “We desired a classic aesthetic, and nothing epitomizes classic like vintage Dior!”

Indeed, she and stylist Anastasia Walker selected a historic Christian Dior dress by John Galliano, a strapless design adorned with gold baroque-inspired beading on light blue silk. The pattern contrasted with her numerous tattoos. The straps and the hip-high leg slit featured hanging zipper accents. She accessorized with metallic Tom Ford heeled sandals and jewelry by Alexis Bittar. Quran Smith coiffed her hair into relaxed, glamorous waves; makeup artist Troye Batiste applied a subtle glam aesthetic; and Johana Castillo, known as @masterweenay, executed her elaborate manicure.

Kehlani received nominations in two categories for this year's ceremony: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for "After Hours," a track that previously garnered her a Grammy nomination. Despite the conclusion of the festivities, the singer has further reasons to celebrate this week. Tomorrow, she will release a new single entitled “Folded,” an R&B post-breakup ballad that will evoke nostalgic imagery reminiscent of a 2000s music video. “Retrieve your garments; I have them neatly folded,” she vocalizes in the chorus, subsequent to an expansive string introduction. The music is created by Khris Riddick-Tynes, Andre Harris, Donovan Knight, and Don Mills, the former having cooperated on "After Hours."