The theme of Tems Oscar dress is to let you know she came and yes, she made that statement!
Nigerian singer Tems is having one of her groundbreaking years. We can start with her win at the Grammy for “Best Melodic Rap,” her collaboration with iconic women like Rihanna, and Beyoncé to also being nominated for an Oscar award for her work with director Ryan Coogler and Rihanna on the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” track “Lift Me Up.”
The Try Me singer has taken social media into a frenzy, following her outfit at the 2023 Oscars which was designed by a Ukrainian brand Lever Couture.
The headpiece attached to her gown was taking up space that others who sat behind her were unable to see.
The singer’s go-to stylist, Dunsin Wright, also reflects on the significance of the moment:
“At the start of the year, Tems said she’s entering a new era. That played on my mind as I considered the perfect outfit for the Oscars. We wanted something that felt quite delicate but powerful, something that made her feel ethereal.
I had spotted Lever Couture a while ago after their fashion show in Tokyo and instantly knew I wanted to work with them. It was a bold option, but I was confident that if anyone could wear it the way it needed to be worn, it was Tems. She is so graceful and confident, and she makes every piece her own.”
In an interview with Bianca Betancourt of Harper’s BAZAAR, Tems explains her sartorial decision to the 95th Academy Awards, her recent successes, what it means to work with icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Grace Jones and lots more.
Here are excerpts from her interview below;
On the dress that made her the topic of the event:
“Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” Tems laughs. “But it’s my first Oscars — I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!“
On the impact she’s making:
“My work is actually reaching places, it’s making some type of impact. And that is insane! I really am just trying to keep my feet on the ground and continue running and doing things that are a hundred per cent authentic to me. Evolving, learning, growing. It’s just the beginning for me.”
On her recent successes and working with Rihanna and Beyoncé.
“It’s an indication to me that I’m on the right path and that I am doing something that hasn’t been done before. If the biggest women in the world love my work to such an extent that they are working with me, then that must say something,” she explains. “My work is actually reaching places, it’s making some type of impact. And that is insane! I really am just trying to keep my feet on the ground and continue running and doing things that are a hundred percent authentic to me. Evolving, learning, growing. It’s just the beginning for me.”
On fighting for what she believes in.
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“All of this, to me, is an open door. Not just for me, but for everybody who is from where I’m from. If I can do it, they can do it,” she continues. “I’m happy that I got to fight, and I want to let people know that they should fight for every single thing that they believe in. It’s not easy, but once you have a plan, once you know who you are and you know where you’re going, every single thing sorts itself out.”
On inspiring people:
“All of this, to me, is an open door. Not just for me, but for everybody who is from where I’m from. If I can do it, they can do it. I’m happy that I got to fight, and I want to let people know that they should fight for every single thing that they believe in. It’s not easy, but once you have a plan, once you know who you are and you know where you’re going, every single thing sorts itself out.”
Read the full article on Harper’s BAZAAR
