The Royal Albert Hall was alive with glamour, sound, and spectacle on Monday evening as The Fashion Awards 2025 brought together the world’s leading designers and cultural icons. While Sarah Burton and Jonathan Anderson walked away with top honors, it was Nigerian alt-R&B powerhouse Tems who delivered the emotional and cultural pinnacle of the night.
Tems opened with her global hit “Me & U” before unveiling the world premiere of her unreleased single, “I’m Not Sure.” Bathed in cinematic lighting and flanked by minimalist backing vocalists, the Grammy-winning singer commanded the stage with raw emotion, delivering her introspective new track with palpable vulnerability.
Her fashion moments were equally unforgettable. On the red carpet, she dazzled in a custom Givenchy gown by Sarah Burton, a perfect blend of soft femininity and structured elegance.
For her performance, she switched into a shimmering violet-grey column dress with corset detailing, accented by diamond cuffs and a statement choker. This ensemble married glamour with stage presence.
As seen in the wide shots from the performance, Tems stood center stage, bathed in warm, cinematic lighting that shifted from deep ambers to violet hues. She was flanked by two backing vocalists dressed in sleek black, allowing her shimmering silhouette to act as the visual anchor of the set.
Close-up imagery from the night captures the raw emotion of the debut. In one poignant moment, Tems is seen with eyes closed, hand pressed to her chest, delivering the new lyrics with a palpable sense of conviction. The song’s melody appears to lean into her lower register, a soulful ballad that hushed the A-list crowd.
Tems’ performance underscored the growing fusion of African music and global luxury fashion.
