At this year’s Academy Awards, held on the night of March 2 to 3, 2025, celebrities dazzled and surprised with their fashion choices, but it was the following Vanity Fair after-party where the real style statements emerged. While stars largely played it safe during the Oscars ceremony, opting for more classic looks, the Vanity Fair party witnessed stars letting loose with daring, sometimes scandalous outfits.
Among the most talked-about figures was actress and model Julia Fox, who commanded attention with her sheer dress by Turkish designer Dilara Fındıkoğlu. The dress, which left little to the imagination, emphasized her figure and celebrated bold fashion. Fox's choice drew immediate comparisons to Bianca Censori’s similarly daring outfit at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, where Censori also bypassed traditional undergarments to make her own provocative statement.
"The daring nature of Fox's attire sparked heated discussions online, with opinions split between admirers of her audacity and critics decrying it as excessively bold. Despite the divided reactions, her dress stood out as one of the defining fashion moments of the evening," noted The Daily Mail, which included her outfit among the most controversial of the event.
Julia wasn't the only star to embrace the transparency trend. Other celebrities participating in this fashion showcase included Olivia Wilde, Doja Cat, and Cynthia Erivo, each opting for sheer gowns, demonstrating not only confidence but also the growing trend of provocative fashion at high-profile events.
Olivia Wilde stunned the crowd wearing Chloé, showcasing her figure with elegant flair. Doja Cat chose to don a custom Swarovski look, blending sparkle with sexy silhouettes. Emily Ratajkowski also made her mark, appearing radiant in her Ludovic de Saint Sernin creation. Meanwhile, Zoe Kravitz turned heads with her edgy ensemble from Saint Laurent.
Other noteworthy ensembles included Alessandra Ambrosio’s dress from Tony Ward Couture and Kendall Jenner’s eye-catching Mugler design. Both women have previously made headlines for their daring outfits, but this occasion saw them stepping up their game once more.
Emma Chamberlain challenged the convention of soft fabrics and instead chose to showcase her fashion-forward thinking with a leather outfit by Jean Paul Gaultier. This mix of materials highlighted the fact not all bold fashion choices were made from sheer fabrics; it demonstrated creativity within the industry.
Ciara also did not shy away from standing out, opting for DSQUARED2 as her choice for the night. Meanwhile, Emma Stone embodied Old Hollywood glamour wrapped in Louis Vuitton, showcasing the different interpretations of fashion at such significant events.
The Vanity Fair after-party turned out to be more than just another post-Academy Awards gathering; it became a platform for stars to express their individuality through fashion, showcasing some very daring choices. Stars like Megan Thee Stallion, Vanessa Hudgens, and Kim Kardashian were also noted for their bold statements and contributions to the festive atmosphere of the evening.
The juxtaposition between the more restrained Oscars and the vibrant celebration at Vanity Fair perfectly encapsulates the dynamic nature of Hollywood's relationship with fashion. While the awards are about recognition and prestige, the after-party is undeniably about celebration and self-expression.
This year's Vanity Fair gathering served not only as behind-the-scenes entertainment but also as an open canvas where celebrities wore their art—demanding attention and inspiring conversations across social media. From enthusiastic supporters praising the creativity to critics questioning boundaries, one thing is undeniable: the trend of provocative fashions is taking over Hollywood.
Overall, the evening became emblematic of the shift toward bolder styles, inviting both praise and criticism. The fashion choices at the Vanity Fair after-party hint at the future direction of red carpet trends, where traditional boundaries continue to blur, leaving fans and critics alike speculating what will come next.