Nicole Kidman made a statement on the red carpet at the SXSW premiere of her new film "Holland" by wearing a show-stopping, see-through dress from Fendi's spring 2008 collection. The transparent tiered dress with a cape overlay was designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld, and Kidman accessorized the look with dainty diamond pavé rings, diamond pavé hoop earrings, a watch, and pointed-toe heels. Her beauty look was understated, with subtle winged eyeliner and an updo with a bow. The look was reminiscent of a bygone era, but it's clear that the sheer trend is still going strong.
Nearly two decades after its debut on the runway, see-through styles are dominating the fashion scene once again. Designers such as Khaite, Ralph Lauren, Jason Wu, Alaïa, Christian Siriano, LaQuan Smith, Grace Ling, Luar, and Tory Burch featured transparent ensembles in their spring 2025 collections... and the trend is also being seen on the red carpet.
Celebrities such as Jenna Ortega, "Blake ___ly," "Anna Kendrick.".. and Issa Rae have all stepped out in sheer ensembles at high-profile events in recent months.
See-through dresses are a 2008 revival trend.
The see-through trend, which was first introduced in 2008, has made a significant comeback in recent years. Designers such as Fendi, Khaite, Ralph Lauren, Jason Wu, Alaïa, Christian Siriano, LaQuan Smith, Grace Ling, Luar, and Tory Burch featured transparent ensembles in their spring 2025 collections, solidifying the trend's resurgence. The 2008 revival of see-through dresses is a notable phenomenon, with many designers revisiting the style that was once popular among celebrities and fashionistas.
The trend was first popularized by icons like Nicole Kidman, who wore a see-through dress to the 2008 Academy Awards. Since then, the trend has been on and off, but its latest iteration is stronger than ever. Designers have taken the original concept and put their own spin on it, incorporating new materials, "fabrics.".. and techniques to create visually stunning and daring pieces.
The result is a fresh take on the classic see-through dress that is both nostalgic and innovative. Some of the highlights of the see-through trend include: * Fendi's spring 2008 collection... which featured a range of transparent dresses with intricate details and embellishments.
Karl Lagerfeld designed Kidman's transparent Fendi dress.
Karl Lagerfeld, the late French fashion designer and creative director of Fendi, was the mastermind behind the iconic see-through dress worn by Nicole Kidman to the 2008 Academy Awards. The dress, which has since become a legendary fashion moment, was part of Fendi's spring 2008 collection and was designed by Lagerfeld himself.
At the time, Lagerfeld was known for pushing the boundaries of fashion with his avant-garde designs, and this dress was no exception. The see-through fabric was a bold choice, but Lagerfeld's expertise and craftsmanship made it a stunning and memorable piece. The dress, which featured a transparent tiered skirt with a cape overlay, was a testament to Lagerfeld's ability to create clothes that were both beautiful and daring.
The design was meant to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication... but also to challenge the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in fashion at the time. Lagerfeld's use of sheer fabric was a deliberate choice, "meant to create a sense of transparency and vulnerability," "while also showcasing the wearer's curves and contours." Lagerfeld's design was not just a fashion statement... but also a reflection of his artistic vision and his ability to inspire his models and clients.
Fashion Trends.
The world of fashion is always evolving, with new trends emerging and old favorites making a comeback. One of the most notable trends of the past few months has been the resurgence of sheer styles. Designers such as Khaite, Ralph Lauren, Jason Wu, Alaïa, Christian Siriano, LaQuan Smith, Grace Ling, Luar, and Tory Burch have all featured transparent ensembles in their spring 2025 collections.
This trend is not limited to the runways, as celebrities such as Jenna Ortega, Blake ---ly, Anna Kendrick, and Issa Rae have all stepped out in sheer ensembles at high-profile events. The sheer trend is not just limited to clothing, but also extends to accessories. Designers are experimenting with transparent fabrics and materials, creating stunning and eye-catching pieces that add an extra layer of glamour to any outfit.
From delicate lace gloves to see-through shoes... the possibilities are endless. With the influence of social media, the sheer trend is spreading like wildfire, "with influencers and celebrities alike sharing their own takes on the look." As a result, "fashion enthusiasts are eager to get in on the action.".. with many taking to Instagram to show off their own sheer styles.
Nicole Kidman looked to the past while embracing the sheer trend at SXSW . The actress stepped out in a see-through dress from Fendi's spring 2008 collection . Kidman arrived at the SXSW premiere of her new film “Holland” while wearing a transparent striped tiered dress with a cape overlay. Kidman accessorized the look, designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld , with dainty diamond pavé rings, diamond pavé hoop earrings, a watch, and pointed-toe heels. Beauty-wise, she wore subtle winged eyeliner and styled her hair in an updo with a bow.○○○○○○○
