At the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, celebrities pushed the boundaries of fashion with sheer, daring ensembles that captivated audiences and reignited conversations about body positivity and artistic expression. This event showcased a trend that has evolved over decades, tracing back to iconic moments in fashion history.

Unveiling a New Era of Red Carpet Fashion

Bold Choices on the Red Carpet

The red carpet at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills was a canvas for bold fashion statements. Celebrities embraced transparency and intricate details, transforming the event into a showcase of sheer elegance. Notably, Julia Fox, Olivia Wilde, Megan Thee Stallion, and Zoe Kravitz each brought their unique flair to the theme, wearing outfits that blurred the lines between modesty and audacity.Megan Thee Stallion's olive-green gown, adorned with feathers and nipple pasties, drew attention not just for its design but also for the confidence it exuded. Her choice reflected a growing trend where artists use fashion as a form of self-expression, challenging societal norms and embracing vulnerability. Meanwhile, Olivia Wilde's Chloé ensemble offered a more subtle yet equally impactful interpretation of sheer dressing, emphasizing elegance over shock value.

A Historical Perspective on Sheer Fashion

Sheer dressing is not a new phenomenon; its roots can be traced back to Rihanna's 2014 CFDA Awards appearance in an Adam Selman-designed dress encrusted with crystals. That moment set a precedent, demonstrating how strategic fashion choices could generate unparalleled media coverage and public interest. Other notable moments include Beyoncé's 2015 Met Gala look and Bella Hadid's daring outfit at the 2017 amfAR Gala in Cannes.However, the origins of sheer fashion extend even further, to Marilyn Monroe's legendary "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" performance at Madison Square Garden. Her sheer gown, designed by Jean Louis, remains a benchmark against which all subsequent looks are measured. Kim Kardashian's decision to wear the same gown at the 2022 Met Gala underscored the enduring influence of this iconic moment, sparking fresh debates about fashion, fame, and cultural legacy.

Challenging Societal Norms

The 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party raised important questions about societal attitudes towards nudity and body exposure. Why do we still find bare skin controversial? Why is exposing a nipple considered scandalous? These queries challenge deep-seated taboos and invite discussions on body positivity and self-expression. Jeremy Pope's leather catsuit, which exposed one of his nipples, added a unique male perspective to the conversation, highlighting the double standards often applied to men and women in fashion.Ultimately, the evening's fashion choices celebrated diversity and individuality. Each celebrity who walked the red carpet did so with confidence, owning their look and defying traditional expectations. The event served as a reminder that fashion is not just about clothing; it's a powerful tool for self-expression and social commentary.

Redefined Standards of Beauty

The 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party marked a significant shift in beauty standards, where transparency and minimalism became symbols of sophistication. Stars like Bianca Balti in Fendi Couture and Emily Ratajkowski in Ludovic de Saint Sernin exemplified this new aesthetic. Their outfits were not only visually striking but also conveyed a message of empowerment and confidence.Fashion critics praised the event for its innovative approach to styling, noting that sheer dressing allowed for a deeper exploration of texture, color, and form. The emphasis on craftsmanship and design elevated these outfits from mere garments to works of art. As fashion continues to evolve, the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party will be remembered as a pivotal moment that redefined standards of beauty and challenged conventional norms.