On the night of March 2, 2025, all eyes were on Julia Fox as she made her stunning entrance at the Vanity Fair Oscars party wearing a daring and sheer dress, igniting comparisons with Bianca Censori's similarly bold appearance at the Grammy Awards just weeks earlier. Fox, widely recognized for her remarkable sense of style, took the fashion world by storm with her almost nude look, leaving just enough to the imagination.
Fox donned a beige sheer slip dress created by designer Dilara Fındıkoğlu, which clung to her figure and showcased her curves. To maintain some modesty, she creatively incorporated sweeping, knee-length hair extensions, strategically draping them to shield her breasts and groin area. The overall effect, as if reflecting Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," presented a blend of audacity and artistry.
Following Censori's impactful moment at the Grammys, where she provocatively stripped off her fur coat, flaunting her naked body in a sheer ensemble, Fox's outfit raised immediate questions. It wasn’t just about fashion; it was about symbolism and societal commentary on gender norms concerning clothing choices.
News outlets quickly took note of the comparisons, with E! News pointing out, "Julia Fox Goes Nearly Naked to Vanity Fair Oscar Party a la Kanye West’s Wife Bianca Censori." People magazine echoed this sentiment, stating, "Julia Fox Bares Her Nipples in Nearly Naked Dress Following Bianca Censori's Controversial Grammys Look." It's clear the fashion choices of the two women have become talking points as they both challenge traditional norms within the industry.
Fashion experts weighed in on the cultural significance of such choices, and Shira Tarrant, Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, highlighted the deep-seated issues surrounding clothing and power dynamics. "This juxtaposition of a fully dressed man and an undressed, naked woman replicates very old tropes in pop culture..." she stated, underscoring how these sartorial decisions spark necessary dialogue about gender and agency.
Across social media, reactions to Fox’s ensemble were mixed. Some praised her boldness, embracing the avant-garde nature of her choice, but others expressed concern about its implications. One Instagram user commented, "I miss not knowing what so many celebrities look like naked,” capturing the ambivalence many feel about increasingly risqué fashion choices.
This isn't the first time Julia Fox has garnered attention for her provocative looks. Known for pushing boundaries, she has paraded various unconventional outfits at public events, including wearing a beige trench coat with sculpted nipple indents during a MAC Cosmetics event earlier this year. At the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars party, she famously donned a black gown featuring what resembled claw-like elements to the consternation of onlookers.
Alongside Fox, the Vanity Fair Oscars party saw other celebrities embracing the sheer trend. Olivia Wilde graced the red carpet with her ethereal white dress adorned with ruffled accents, whereas Doja Cat delivered her vibrant presence with glimmering diamond-laden sheer attire during her performance. Meanwhile, Kendall and Kylie Jenner chose semi-sheer black lace gowns, demonstrating how the naked dress phenomenon has permeated the current awards season like wildfire.
Lorynn Divita, professor of apparel design and merchandising, suggests, “The only thing you can count on in fashion is what goes up must come down.” She alludes to the idea of fashion cycles and the potential aftermath of the current sheer gown trend. While Fox and Censori may have shocked the world, it remains to be seen whether society will tire of such displays.
Despite the spirited discussions ignited by Fox's and Censori's fashion choices, their looks hold significant meaning reflective of broader cultural conversations. These daring displays showcase not only individuals expressing ownership of their bodies but also act as catalysts for discussions surrounding societal norms, agency, and how women navigate red-carpet scrutiny.
Julia Fox's bold appearance at the Oscars after-party reinforces her status as a fashion provocateur, adding yet another installment to her saga of audacious outfits. Whether one condemns or applauds her choices, there’s no denying the impact such distinctive styles play within the industry—and the dialogues they instigate among fans and critics alike. The question now lingers: as trends evolve, how will the narrative of celebrity fashion continue to change, and how will future stars respond to the influencing factors around their sartorial decisions?