Tems has never been one to play it safe with her stage style, and her latest look in London is another reminder of why her fashion moments always get people talking.
The Nigerian singer stepped onto the stage at Victoria Park for All Points East on August 21, where she co-headlined the festival’s opening day alongside Jorja Smith. For the occasion, Tems wore a custom crochet dress by MIO, styled by Dunsin Wright.
The black dress came with a halter neckline and open sides, keeping the silhouette relatively simple while allowing the craftsmanship to take centre stage. Colourful bead details added a playful touch, while layers of black and white fringe finished the look and gave it plenty of movement.
And that movement mattered. As Tems performed, the fringe swayed with her, making the dress feel almost like part of the performance rather than something she simply wore on stage.
The combination of crochet, beads and fringe could easily have become too busy, but the predominantly black base kept everything grounded. It gave the look that balance Tems often gets right: interesting enough to make a statement without looking like she is trying too hard.
She kept the beauty look equally effortless, wearing her hair in long, loose curls with the top pulled back. A defined brown lip finished the look, with makeup by Kayla Perez.
There is also something particularly fitting about seeing crochet take centre stage at a major London festival. The traditionally handmade technique can easily be associated with laid-back or beachwear, but Tems’ custom look pushed it firmly into performance fashion.
And that is perhaps what makes the outfit work so well. It does not feel like Tems is wearing crochet simply because crochet is having a moment. The beadwork, fringe, cut-outs and silhouette all come together in a way that feels distinctly hers.
The outfit also arrived at a major moment for the singer. Tems was one of the two headliners on the opening day of All Points East, taking the East Stage before Jorja Smith closed out the night.
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For Tems, though, the London appearance was about more than another headline performance. She gave the festival crowd a memorable set, brought out Dave for a surprise performance of their collaboration Raindance, and once again showed why her fashion choices have become almost as recognisable as her music.
The crochet dress was relaxed, detailed and completely at home on a festival stage.
Tems in crochet? We’ll take it.
