John Galliano’s Maison Margiela 2024 Artisanal Collection runway show from early last year caused a huge stir within the industry, and featured greatly exaggerated shapes (yes, with lots of sheer as well). It was fashion with a capital F and fashion folk have all been chasing that high in the months since. I was also delighted to see Polly Pocket sleeves—shoulder straps that stand away from the body like the plastic pop-on clothes of Polly Pocket—emerging as a micro trend at numerous recent events. Add to that the rise of the themed press tour (Margot Robbie for Barbie, Zendaya for Challengers, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for Wicked), and it becomes clear that celebrities are moving away from nudity as a way to grab your attention and more toward architectural details and even kitsch instead.
Do I think we’ve seen the last of naked dresses on the red carpet? Absolutely not. This trend has become so ubiquitous, it will never truly die out. But I feel confident we’re entering an era of sculptural innovation that will last for some time. Until one day when it will surely be unseated by a new naked gown that somehow manages to make the barely-there look feel fresh, modern and exciting once more. And I’ll place my bet now that that unique style moment will come at the hands of Rihanna…again.