Nigerian singer Tems made headlines at the 95th Academy Awards with an outfit that caused a stir on social media. The co-songwriter of “Lift Me Up” donned an enormous dress made by L.A.-based Ukrainian design house Lever Couture. She was also styled by Dunsin Wright.
The dress, which had a large arc that went over and behind her head, was showcased during fashion week in Tokyo last September. It made quite a splash when Tems graced the champagne-coloured carpet at the Oscars in Hollywood.
While the cloud-like gown landed the 27-year-old on several best-dressed lists, it also sparked a debate on social media. The discourse focused on how the outfit adversely affected Oscars attendees, especially those who sat behind her. Several aerial shots inside the theatre and cameras panning across the room showed Tems’ view-blocking outfit. This in turn led to a massive backlash on social media.
The discourse has been an assortment of sartorial praise, light-hearted memes, and allegations of disrespect. Some argued that the dress was a spectacle that diminished the experience of those who sat behind her, while others defended the outfit as an expression of artistic freedom and creativity.
In response to the backlash, Tems took to Instagram to share pictures of herself in the same outfit with the caption “oops,” accompanied by a blushing emoji. The singer’s reaction to the criticism was light-hearted and nonchalant, showing that she was unfazed by the backlash.
Tems’ outfit at the Oscars showcases the Tem’s unique sense of style and boldness. It also highlights the intersection of fashion and culture and how artists use their outfits to express themselves. The discourse surrounding her outfit shows that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about how it impacts those around us.
