On Wednesday evening, October 29, 2025, the star-studded Variety Power of Women Gala took place at the luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills. Among the honorees and attendees, Sydney Sweeney made a dramatic red-carpet appearance that quickly became a viral moment.
A bold fashion moment
Sweeney arrived wearing a floor-length, silver crystal sheer gown by Christian Cowan (in collaboration with Elias Matso) from their Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The gown featured a scooped neckline, mid-length flowy sleeves, a twisted waist-detail, and a lace-up back. She went braless underneath, opting for nude underwear instead, letting the sheer fabric do the talking. Her accessories were understated yet glamorous: diamond drop earrings, rings from EFFY Jewelry, and a newly styled blonde bob haircut completed the look.
Instant social-media reaction
The moment exploded on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where engagement skyrocketed into the thousands. The outfit was praised by many for its boldness and elegance, with some calling her an “absolute showstopper”. At the same time, critics raised questions about objectification, the culture of sexualised red-carpet fashion, and the balance between empowerment and spectacle. One article noted that Sweeney “faced backlash after saying she’s been ‘underestimated’ while wearing a see-through dress”.
Honours and meaning beyond the dress
Sweeney wasn't just there for the fashion. She was among the women honoured at the gala, alongside high-profile figures such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Kate Hudson, Wanda Sykes, and Nicole Scherzinger. During her speech, Sweeney spoke candidly about her past experiences of being underestimated and judged in her career. She said:
“I know what it feels like … to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself. … Every one of us has our own fight, and … strength doesn’t look loud sometimes, and sometimes it’s just about getting back up again and again, no matter who’s watching.”
She dedicated part of her remarks to the boxer Christy Martin, whom she portrays in an upcoming biopic. She thanked Martin for showing resilience and urged young women to recognise their own power without waiting for permission.
The larger conversation: beauty, celebrity and empowerment
The red-carpet moment sparked broader reflection about how celebrities use fashion, how society views female bodies, and where the line is between self-expression and objectification. Sweeney has previously addressed being labeled a “sex symbol” and stressed that her choices are rooted in feeling strong and authentic, rather than simply pleasing others. Some fashion editors described the dress as Sweeney’s most daring look yet, a “naked dress” in the sense of its transparency and confidence. Conversely, others critiqued the sight-gag nature of sheer gowns and questioned whether true empowerment can exist in a design that is deliberately revealing. The push-and-pull of praise and criticism highlights how celebrity fashion remains deeply intertwined with social values.
At the 2025 Variety Power of Women Gala on October 29, Sydney Sweeney made headlines with a shimmering, sheer silver gown and a braless, unapologetic red-carpet moment. The look drew immediate attention and sparked conversation — not just about style, but about identity, strength, and the ways women choose to present themselves in the public eye. Whether viewed as a fashion triumph or a lightning-rod for critique, it remains one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
Post a Comment