Tems Talks Controversial Oscars Dress, Explains Why She Chose It

Tems is opening up about the controversial dress that she wore to the 2023 Oscars.

The 27-year-old Nigerian songwriter was nominated for Best Original Song for helping write Rihanna‘s “Lift Me Up” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

Tems looked absolutely stunning on the red carpet in a Lever Couture gown, but viewers were surprised that she wore that outfit to sit in the audience at the Oscars. Photos of her in the crowd went viral as it appeared she was blocking the view of people sitting behind her.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Tems is talking about the dress, which she described as “outside the box.”

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“Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” she said with a laugh. “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!’”

Tems shared photos of herself in the dress to Twitter and wrote, “Oops.☺️.”

Tems‘ stylist Dunsin Wright said, “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.”