While it’s hard to argue “naked” dresses like those worn by Kendall Jenner and Zoe Kravitz to the 2021 Met Gala are at all modest, they seem almost G-rated compared to an emerging trend — the braless “naked” dress.
This look was on full display at last weekend’s Academy Museum Gala where Olivia Wilde turned heads in a nipple-baring sheer gown. Described by the glowing press as “sparkling” and “show-stopping,” Ms. Wilde indeed, “rocked” the sheer Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture gown. At the same event, Kaia Gerber channeled her supermodel mom, Cindy Crawford, in a beautiful sheer Alaïa gown while also “freeing the nipple.” And, earlier this year, a star from Ms. Wilde’s film, “Don’t Worry Darling,” Florence Pugh, was reportedly “alarmed” after donning an ultra-sheer, barbie-core Valentino gown that led to “vulgar” comments.
Photo credits (Left to Right): Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic, VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images, Jacopo Raule/Getty Images
The head-scratching aspect of this trend is how completely at odds it is with what Hollywood’s biggest stars and #MeToo cheerleaders say they stand for — female empowerment and equality. How does baring one’s body and breasts advance these goals?
About her recent film, “Don’t Worry Darling”, Wilde, a self-professed feminist told Elle magazine, “I was much more interested in that tense space where we recognize our own participation in the system that objectifies us.” Based on the latest cover of Elle magazine, Ms. Wilde is clearly a willing participant when it suits her.
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