Influencer Tamara Kalinic Asks Followers If Her $16,000 ‘Fancy LampShade’ Dress Is Worth the Price Amid Mixed Reactions on Social Media

15 May 2025

Influencer Tamara Kalinic and her $16,050 Alaïa dress. Credit : Tamara Kalinic/Instagram

Fashion influencer and content creator Tamara Kalinic recently ignited a spirited conversation among her social media followers after revealing her latest high-end purchase: a striking $16,050 beige dress by designer Alaïa. In a video posted across her Instagram and TikTok accounts, Kalinic showcased the dramatic dress, which features a structured boned bodice and an elaborate ruffled skirt. The influencer posed a candid question to her audience, asking whether such an extravagant purchase was truly worth the hefty price tag.

The response from viewers was divided and lively. Some praised the dress’s elegant color and sophisticated design, admiring the craftsmanship and statement-making silhouette. Others, however, took a humorous approach, likening the dress to a “fancy lamp shade,” with some even joking that it resembled home décor items from IKEA or inexpensive fast-fashion retailers like SHEIN. The playful critiques highlighted the often subjective nature of luxury fashion appreciation, especially when viewed through the democratizing lens of social media.

While Tamara Kalinic initially left her decision open-ended, prompting fans to weigh in, she later posted a follow-up video revealing that she had decided to keep the dress at least for the time being. In that video, she humorously demonstrated how the dress encouraged better posture, turning what some saw as an eccentric garment into a lighthearted moment for her followers. This interaction further fueled engagement and showed how influencers navigate the balance between showcasing opulent fashion and maintaining relatability with their audience.

The incident underscores ongoing debates about the value and impact of luxury fashion in today’s digital era, where influencer purchases are both celebrated and scrutinized in real time. Tamara’s post has since sparked broader conversations about consumerism, aesthetics, and how social media shapes public perception of designer brands.

For those interested in luxury fashion trends or influencer culture, Tamara Kalinic’s dress reveal and the ensuing reactions offer an intriguing glimpse into how extravagant style choices can generate buzz, controversy, and ultimately, community interaction online.