Nigeria artist Tems has responded to the widespread controversy surrounding her famous gown at the 2023 Oscars, refuting speculations that she obstructed anyone’s sight during the occasion.
Tems revealed the inspiration and meaning behind her remarkable fashion selections, such as the elegant white gown she donned at the Academy Awards, during an exclusive conversation with Harper’s Bazaar.
She said, “This dress, the famous dress, It was a huge deal and it was my first Oscars and when I first saw this dress I was like, ‘This is quite much this is quite a lot for me. It looks like a cloud or a flowing stream’. I felt like a princess in the dress and people were taking pictures of me and with me even If they didn’t know me. Even prestigious old white men took pictures with me and I was like ‘They don’t know me’ but they just thought I look cute.”
Tems gained widespread attention during the high-profile event due to the perception that her oversized hood was obstructing other guests.
Upon reflecting on the incident, Tems clarified that the misunderstanding about her dress arose because she didn’t have enough time to switch to her alternative outfit.
“We were supposed to change from this dress inside but we didn’t get the time to and they scooped my stylist away so I was stuck with this. That’s how it became this whole viral moment with the blocking. But there was no blocking, I need to put that out there. The person behind me loved what I was wearing and he could see because the stage was up so nobody looked straight.”
“When I meet anyone in fashion, they’re like ‘Oh yeah, you’re the girl, you’re the one who caused all that trouble that day” she added.
