Sam Smith attending the Brit Awards 2023 at the O2 Arena, London. Picture date: Saturday February 11, 2023. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)
Ian West/PA Images via Getty
Sam Smith made a big statement at the 2023 Brit Awards.
The “Unholy” singer, 30, who came out as non-binary in May 2019, turned heads for their extravagant and bizarre silhouette walking down the red carpet of the annual awards show held at the O2 Arena — just one week after receiving backlash for their costume choices for their “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” music video.
The outfit — an all-black latex suit custom-made by the London-based fashion label Harri — featured high pointed shoulders and wide outwardly pointed thighs, which were both inflated. Smith accessorized the look with shiny gloves and black high-heeled boots, along with a pearl earring on their right ear and a stud on the left.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: EDITORIAL USE ONLY Sam Smith attends The BRIT Awards 2023 at The O2 Arena on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jo Hale/Redferns)
Jo Hale/Redferns
RELATED: Sam Smith Fans Celebrate and Defend Singer’s Bold Music Video Costumes Amid Backlash
Harri, the designer behind the look, told WWD that the recent “hate comments” on social media against Smith and their body played a role in the outfit choice.
“Sam was having a lot of hate comments recently after ‘Unholy’ about [their] body image,” Harri said. “This is my take on celebrating [their] natural form and the beauty of being one’s self. I wanted to create an image which people have never seen Sam in.”
In their latest music video, Smith dons a cream corset look complete with pearl chains, sparkly gloves and matching nipple covers, as well as a Vegas-inspired black showgirl outfit with a large feathered headdress, low-cut corseted satin top and matching black satin skirt with a thigh-high slit.
Sam Smith performing I’m Not Here To Make Friends
A Capitol Records UK / EMI recording; © 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
RELATED: Sam Smith Talks Finally Getting Over Their Body Dysmorphia: ‘I Look Fabulous’
Smith recently opened up to The Sunday Times about getting over their body dysmorphia and finding themself through their music.
“I get closer to who I am with each album,” Smith said, noting that their fourth studio album Gloria was inspired by the “feminine spirit in me.”
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“I’m happier in my own skin on Gloria. I feel liberated, released from pressures I felt when I was young,” they said. “My mum says that, as I’ve got older, I’ve stopped caring what people think as much. She tends to be right.”
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