“Now I Am Here!”, Tems Explains Controversial Choice Of Dress for Oscars

Artiste, Temilade Openiyi aka Tems has adduced reasons for wearing a view-obstructing dress to the 2023 Oscars.

The prestigious award event was held at the Dolby Centre, Los Angeles, on Sunday and was attended by Hollywood’s finest who stunned in different fashion pieces.

Tems was dressed in a custom white sculptural gown by Ukrainian brand, Lever Couture’s AW22, Leleka Couture collection. The gown which features a large headpiece drew backlash for obstructing the view of fellow audience members at the event.

In a pre-Oscars interview  with Harper’s Bazzar, Tems offered behind-the-scenes details on the controversial gown.

According to the Grammys award winner, she decided to “go all out” and “make the most” of her first Oscars attendance.

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