The “Naked” Moment in Los Angeles
A wave of controversy swept across social media when Sydney Sweeney arrived at the 2025 Variety Power of Women event. The actress made a striking statement, donning a shimmering, silver Christian Cowan gown that was as audacious as it was eye-catching. The gown’s daring feature? It was completely transparent. Beneath the fabric, she chose to forgo a bra, embracing the “naked dress” trend that’s become a signature look in 2025.
The gown, with its twisted waist and t-shirt-inspired silhouette, allowed Sweeney to make an unapologetic fashion statement. In a room full of industry heavyweights, she boldly embraced a look that seemed to speak volumes—this wasn’t just fashion; it was a declaration.
A Cultural Divide: Empowerment or Objectification?
Sweeney’s look sparked an immediate and sharp divide in public opinion, flooding social media with reactions ranging from praise to harsh criticism.
Supporters’ Viewpoint: Many fans, along with fashion icons like Sharon Stone, praised Sweeney for her fearlessness. Stone herself commented, “It’s okay to use what mama gave you,” applauding Sweeney for reclaiming control over her image. For her supporters, the outfit symbolized self-empowerment—a woman taking charge of how her body is perceived in a post-#MeToo world, and refusing to hide or apologize for it.
Critics’ Response: On the flip side, the outfit was slammed by conservative voices, with media figures like Megyn Kelly calling it “vulgar” and “attention-seeking.” Many argued that the event, which celebrated women’s achievements, was not the right venue for such an overtly revealing look. This sparked a larger conversation about what empowerment truly looks like—does it mean modesty, or is embracing one’s body and “flaunting what you’ve got” a form of modern feminism?
The Context: The Aftermath of the “Great Jeans” Campaign
To fully understand the uproar surrounding Sweeney’s silver dress, it’s important to consider the backdrop of another controversy earlier in the year. Sweeney’s involvement in the American Eagle “Great Jeans” campaign had already stirred up debate, with some accusing the campaign of harboring “racial undertones” and problematic “eugenics” implications, due to its play on the word “genes.”
By the time Sweeney appeared in the shimmering gown, the public was already primed for controversy. Every decision she made, from fashion to partnerships, was scrutinized through a political lens—whether she was seen as a “traditional” symbol of womanhood or criticized as a victim of the male gaze. The sheer dress was her counterargument to all of these labels.
Taking Control of Her Narrative
During her speech that evening, Sweeney addressed the criticism head-on. She spoke candidly about the feeling of being “underestimated” and defined by others before she had a chance to define herself. “You shouldn’t have to apologize or hide or cover up in any room,” she told the audience, clearly owning her choice.
The dress was not just a bold fashion statement—it was a form of armor. By fully embracing the “sex symbol” label, which had often been weaponized against her, Sweeney turned the narrative on its head. In that silver dress, she wasn’t just a woman in a dress; she was a woman who knew exactly what message she was sending.
