The fashion world is witnessing a provocative trend that has captured the spotlight at major award ceremonies like the Oscars and Grammys. Known as "naked dressing," this trend showcases nearly naked dresses and has been making waves on the red carpet. Designers, including Dior, have embraced this bold style in their spring/summer collections by incorporating see-through materials. The theme extends into autumn/winter looks, with many designers continuing to explore sheer aesthetics. Popularized by celebrities who don these daring outfits at high-profile events, the trend has sparked both admiration and controversy.
At the Brit Awards, Charli XCX drew significant attention when she appeared in a sheer black dress, leading to a flood of complaints to media watchdog Ofcom. In a similar vein, Sabrina Carpenter's pre-watershed performance at the same ceremony also faced criticism. These incidents underscore the polarizing nature of the trend, which some have deemed unsuitable for younger audiences. However, the trend's roots can be traced back to the early 2010s and even further, with Rihanna's iconic sheer crystal-embellished dress at the CFDA awards in 2014 and Kate Moss's thin slip dress from the 1990s.
Fashion stylist Julia Pukhalskaia describes the trend as a "provocative statement," highlighting its role as a nostalgic nod to 1990s fashion. Many enthusiasts view it as a form of self-expression and a way to reclaim autonomy over one's body. This sentiment is echoed by Abhi Madan, who comments that "naked dressing" is "about embracing freedom and boldness in fashion."
The "free the nipple" movement of the early 2010s laid the groundwork for today's trend, challenging societal norms around body exposure. The trend manifests in various forms, from sheer blouses and thin slip dresses to mesh dresses and beaded mesh panels. It has become a focal point at fashion weeks, where designers continue to experiment with see-through materials.
Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior notes that clothing serves as "a receptacle that affirms cultural, aesthetic and social codes." This perspective is reflected in how designers are now using sheer elements not merely for shock value but to create refined and elegant silhouettes that empower wearers. Abhi Madan adds that the trend "isn't just about exposure – it's a movement towards body positivity and challenging conventional fashion norms."
Despite its widespread popularity, the trend has faced its share of criticism. Some argue that it perpetuates gender inequality by subjecting women's bodies to public scrutiny more than men's. Anna Murphy articulates this view by stating:
"it is not an equal opportunities endeavour. It is, rather, a manifestation of the kind of thing that keeps this world unequal. That women's bodies are for public consumption and men's, usually, aren't."
This criticism underscores ongoing debates about gender norms and societal expectations within the fashion industry.
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