Tems are a work of art worthy of a look at the 2023 Oscars. This year’s awards season is the backdrop for a slew of awards. avant-garde fashion moment challenge the monotony of traditional red carpet events. On March 12, Tems caused controversy when she wore a whimsical sculptural Lever Couture dress to the event. academic award. While undeniably beautiful, “No Women, No CryingThe singer’s dress obstructed the view of her fellow audience members, sparking a debate about whether the extent to which her outfit was fair to those around her.
“She’s taking her place as a Black woman.”
The dress in question is an item from the designer’s Leleka collection, which debuted during Tokyo Fashion Week 2022. The sculptural silhouette, styled by Dunsin Wright, featuring strips of fabric that curves in a smoke-like design from Tems’ left shoulder to her right leg. The ship was as long as the floor and the roof was structured like a cloud winding in the wind. She styled the outfit with Amina Muaddi stone studded high heel sandals, multiple diamond earrings and matching jewelry on the wrists and hands.
For many people, the translucent design is one of the evening’s most glamorous fashion moments. For others, including those sitting behind Tems at the awards ceremony, the hooded cloak was an obstacle that made it difficult for them to see the presentations. A woman even went viral on Twitter after she poked her head into her dress to get a better view of the stage.
After photos of Tems’ outfit went viral on social media, viewers were quick to form opinions on whether the massive dress was appropriate to wear on the biggest movie night of the year. Are not. “That woman is trying to sneak a peek at Tems’ dress that’s taking me to the moon,” one user wrote on Twitter. Other users more“Tems is killing me sitting in that dress.”
Image source: Getty / Arturo Holmes
While some thought it was unfair for Tems to block the view of other celebrities at the awards ceremony, others pointed out that the singer’s massive looks deserved to be seen. Dr Nicki Washington said: ‘The top hat of Tems’ dress that everyone sitting right behind her is giving to the Black woman on Sunday and I’m SO here for it. tweeted in the award ceremony. “You said everyone would be fine.”
In a seperate tweet, British author Bolu Babalola points out that Tems’ clothing may symbolize something greater. She said, “It’s a symbol of irony, actually, she’s taking up space as a Black woman, while the white not only represents the femininity that BW has traditionally not received. approach but also how white has obscured and hindered the path of progress, in this essay . . . . “
In a pre-Oscars interview with Harper’s Market published on March 13, Wright explained that Tems’ bold outfit choices were entirely intentional. “At the beginning of the year, Tems said she was entering a new era,” says Wright. “That popped into my head when I was considering the perfect Oscars outfit. We wanted something subtle but powerful, something that made her feel ethereal. I figured it out. discovered Lever Couture a while ago after their fashion show in Tokyo and immediately knew I wanted to work with them.It was a bold choice, but I’m confident that if anyone could wear it. it’s the way it should be, then that’s Tems. She’s so graceful and confident, and she makes every piece her own.”
In the same article, Tems said the dress is a symbol of her career and the people who have helped her get to where she is today. “Two years ago, I said no to this dress. But this is my first Oscar – I’ll do my best,” she said. “I really want to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of honoring my work and those around me, honoring my country, and honoring those who have always supported me. This says, ‘Yes, yes, I To be This!'”
See Tems’ gorgeous Oscar costume up front.
