Teyana Taylor is officially the busiest woman in Hollywood, but she is making it look effortless. Just hours after serving high-fashion looks at the Chanel show in Paris, the “A Thousand and One” star touched down in Los Angeles to attend the Time Women of the Year gala on Tuesday night.
Despite a schedule that would leave anyone exhausted, Taylor arrived at the star-studded event looking like a dream in a body-hugging black and brown Schiaparelli gown. However, she was the first to admit that the struggle was real.
“I just landed a few hours ago,” Taylor told reporters at the event. “The show was yesterday. Now, I got to make sure I look good because you know that jet lag can whoop your ass.”
An Emotional Fashion Moment
While the fashion world is still buzzing over her Paris appearances, the conversation quickly turned to the upcoming Academy Awards. Taylor revealed that while she was in the City of Light, she had her second fitting for her Oscar gown—and it was an emotional experience.
“I was nearly in tears,” Taylor admitted, her excitement visible. “It is so good. My final fitting is on Thursday. It is so major. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
The mystery behind the dress has already sparked speculation on X and Instagram, as fans wait to see how the style icon will top her previous red carpet wins.
From Retirement to the Oscars
Taylor’s presence at the Academy Awards is the culmination of a bold career pivot. In , she famously announced her retirement from the music business to focus on other passions.
“I was like, ‘I’m going to pivot,'” she recalled. “I said, ‘I want to do other things that I love,’ and that is what I did. And then I got ‘A Thousand and One.’ So if it wasn’t for that retirement I don’t know if I’d be here today.”
The move proved to be a masterstroke. Not only has she found acclaim as an actress, but she also made a triumphant return to music last year with her album “Escape Room,” which earned her a first-time Grammy nomination.
Support from the “Time” Tribe
Inside the gala, the love for Taylor was palpable. The actress was even interrupted during an interview by fellow honoree and podcast superstar Mel Robbins, who stopped everything just to give Taylor a hug.
“Congratulations,” Robbins told her. “We’re all rooting for you.”
The room was packed with Hollywood heavyweights, including Mariska Hargitay, Queen Latifah, Lucy Liu, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, all gathered to celebrate the impact of women in the industry.
Advice to Her Younger Self
As this award season journey begins to wind down, Taylor is taking a moment to reflect on the “trials and tribulations” she faced along the way. When asked what she would say to her younger self today, her response was grounded in the same authenticity fans have come to love.
“I’d say, ‘Baby, I’m so proud of your patience. I’m proud that you never changed your heart,'” she shared. “Through all the trials and tribulations, I’ve always walked in grace. Even when it hurt. I lean on my people and I say how I feel. When they’re able to talk me through it, I’m able to step outside like a champ.”
With her final fitting scheduled for Thursday and the big show on Sunday, the world is waiting to see Teyana Taylor take her final victory lap of the season. If her reaction to the dress is any indication, it’s going to be a moment for the history books.
