Bad Gyal knows what she likes. It’s clear from the moment we first meet in her hotel room at The EDITION Times Square.

The rising star, whose real name is Alba Farelo, is kicking off the U.S. portion of the tour for her first studio debut album La Joia (“The Jewel” in her native Catalan). At 27 years old, she talks, moves, and decides with the precision and conviction of a long-time artist.

She’s no stranger to New York City, but after the success and positive reception of her latest project, which blends genres like dancehall, reggaeton, Brazilian funk and house music, the anticipation for this show thickens the air in the room.

The album boasts features from these genres’ heaviest hitters, like Anitta, Myke Towers, Tommy Lee Sparta, Ñengo Flow, Tokischa and Young Miko, and on top of that, the day before her show, she released a single featuring a pioneer of the reggaeton genre Ivy Queen.

“La Joia has been the next big step in my career. I have been able to explore more creative resources and I feel the album has helped a lot in giving a visual identity to the concerts,” Bad Gyal said. “This process has helped me develop into a better artist on stage.”

Her ability to break through and pack such a heavy punch in the male-dominated urbano space is no easy feat. Bad Gyal’s accomplishments and her sexy, feminine girl-power aura adorns her like jewels. There’s a deep seriousness to her, but also levity and a cool factor that she attributes to being a Pisces.

On the heels of a major show, she knows she must look good. Bad Gyal has always stood out for her Y2K style, and this isn’t new territory for her, but when it comes to New York, there was no hesitation when I proposed she work with CFDA members and American designers in our network.

“My approach to fashion depends a lot on the situation and location. If I am looking for an outfit for a concert, I like to wear designers from the city or country I am performing at,” Bad Gyal said. “Collaborating with CFDA is exciting because I have been to a lot of fashion weeks and events in Europe, but it’s super interesting to have an opportunity on this side of the world that is so far from me and my city.”

Bad Gyal wanted her quintessential New York moments for the photoshoot. With Times Square as her stage and the streets her runway, the city looked good on her. Crowds would gather to watch, and fans would ask for pictures between shots.

Soldiers in town for Fleet Week carried her in a black two-piece full Area look by CFDA members Piotrek Panszczyk and Beckett Fogg straight from the fall-winter 2024 runway with big shiny crystal stones.

A LaQuan Smith metallic leather dress served intergalactic glamour for strutting through Times Square and in between passing trains on the subway, and a pink PatBO beaded look was the perfect look for a taxi ride (or a ride on the taxi).

“You don’t need to reject being yourself to do the kind of music you like or to collaborate with artists to get into the mainstream,” she said.

Bad Gyal is not afraid to have fun, and as her star continues to rise, she is focused more than ever on being true to herself.

Creative Director @AldoAraujo
Photographer @JulianxCamilo
Lighting @PipeDuquee
Stylist @AlbaMelendo
Makeup @VenusPlastik
Hair @xBatista_
Tailor @_Ceazar_

Special thanks to Doble Cuerpo and The Times Square EDITION