The red carpet has always been a stage for showcasing daring fashion choices, but Hollywood celebrities are taking it to a whole new level by purposefully embracing more revealing ensembles.
During her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Sydney Sweeney turned heads with her choice of attire. The 25-year-old star of “White Lotus” donned a silky white Miu Miu slip dress as she left the Hotel Martinez. However, what caught everyone’s attention was the powder blue bra she intentionally revealed underneath her sheer dress. This fashion statement sparked a wave of online discussions, designating the “intentional wardrobe malfunction” as the official trend for the summer.
Notable figures like Olivia Wilde, Charlize Theron, and Scarlett Johansson have taken note of this bold style and incorporated their own variations of exposed displays. Yet, according to fashion expert Melissa Rivers, this trend has made its mark multiple times in the past.
As Sweeney breezed through the lobby of the renowned French hotel alongside her fiancé, Jonathan Davino, her spaghetti strap slip dress gracefully draped down to the ground, accentuating her chic couture bra. While the “Euphoria” actress became a viral sensation with her head-turning moment, Rivers delved into fashion history, highlighting Dolce & Gabbana’s similar designs from a hundred years ago. The renowned fashion house introduced corset dresses that became a significant element of their signature look for over a decade. Thus, the current trend is not entirely original but rather a cyclical evolution in fashion.
Shortly after Sydney’s fashion statement, Scarlett Johansson joined the movement by showcasing her straps at the screening of “Asteroid City” in Cannes. Johansson graced the red carpet in a custom Prada gown, featuring a straight silhouette and a low back. A peekaboo white bralette peered out above the structured hem, giving a modern twist to the timeless piece.
Rivers further noted that similar designs were prevalent in the ’90s or possibly the late ’90s to early 2000s. However, historical references can be found even further back, as French and English courts often featured dresses layered over undergarments. This serves as a reminder that fashion trends come full circle.
Charlize Theron also embraced the elevated lingerie trend during the premiere of “Fast X” in Rome. Theron opted for a three-piece Dior set, including black hot pants and a matching floor-length duster. Her sleek bra top, paired with black pumps, completed the ensemble. The glittering sheer lounge wear, made from chain mail material, was part of the brand’s haute couture collection for spring/summer 2023.
Country music superstar Kelsea Ballerini proved to be a trendsetter at the CMT Music Awards, where she confidently walked the red carpet with her straps out. Keeping with Rivers’ observations, Ballerini wore a stunning gray Dolce & Gabbana dress with a corset bodice and a white bustier, exuding femininity and confidence.
In yet another striking fashion choice, Olivia Wilde made a statement by brandishing her bra at a post-Oscars celebration. The director of “Don’t Worry Darling” decided to forego a shirt and instead showcased a tiny black bra while walking the red carpet at the Vanity Fair party. Wilde wore a white, one-sleeved Gabriela Hearst dress that revealed a strappy leather top below her chest.
Rivers emphasized that these daring outfits are primarily suited for red carpet events and high fashion. They may not be suitable for everyday wear by the general public. Nonetheless, this intentional wardrobe malfunction trend continues to captivate attention and dominate discussions in the fashion world.
