Sam Smith a Laughingstock on Brit Awards 2023 After Receiving Hate

Sam Smith sparked a stir when they hit the red carpet at the BRIT Awards on Saturday wearing a latex dress resembling a balloon designed by Harri.

And the internet has worked its magic, with followers creating amusing memes in tribute to the classic fashion trend. Others joked that they were smuggling Capri Suns into the event, in reference to their bloated legs.

Others ridiculed Ryanair's habit of charging for checked bags, implying that Sam, 30, was carrying their entire wardrobe. Sam, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, had a drop earring and appeared to have just bleached their hair blonde. Additionally, they walked tall in platform heels.

The artist is presently celebrating the release of their single, "Unholy", with Kim Petras, and she performed the song on the night in question. Sam wore one of Harri's designs, which required four days to create, and the designer, whose real name is Harikrishnan Keezhathil Surendran Pillai, made international news.

In 2020, Harri's London College of Fashion graduating collection including inflatable latex trousers called balloon pants went viral when he displayed it. He told Vogue that the inspiration for the trouser came from the hilarious notion of visualizing himself through the eyes of his dog.

This follows reports that Sam was enraged after their performance at the ceremony was nearly canceled owing to technical issues.

The "Gloria" hitmaker was reportedly arguing backstage after their £500,000 set malfunctioned, delaying the live performance.

A source informed The Sun that, as a result, a tense Sam, who ultimately played their single "Unholy" with Kim Petras, took a hasty escape and avoided any of the show's afterparties. Behind the scenes, [their] performance was a nightmare, despite the fact that it appeared flawless.

Harikrishnan Keezhattil Surendran Pillai, the founder of the label Harri, told WWD that Smith's decision to wear the inflated design was in response to recent online harassment about their body. "Sam was having a lot of hate comments recently after 'Unholy' about their body image," Pillai said.

The London College of Fashion-trained designer noted that Smith's attire highlights their "natural form and the beauty of being oneself."

"I wanted to create an image which people have never seen Sam in," Pillai continued. Insider's request for comment was not immediately met by Harri's representatives. Smith's outfit is just one of many outfits made by Pillai that resemble it. The brand's website features a selection of inflatable apparel with prices ranging from £870 (about $1,050) to £4,000 (approximately $4,500).

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