The red carpet at New York Fashion Week saw a show-stopper as Dakota Johnson turned heads at the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women Dinner on September 11, 2025 in NYC. The Materialists star arrived in a daringly sheer Gucci gown that blended elegance, risk, and a message—all in one unforgettable look.

Impeccable Design Meets Bold Styling

Johnson’s dress was a sheer black lace/tulle number by Gucci, detailed with intricate floral embroidery. Despite the transparency, it maintained a sense of sophistication with a high neckline and long sleeves—balancing exposure with structure.

Underneath, she wore a black balconette bra and matching black underwear, turning the “naked dress” trend into a styled statement rather than mere shock value.

Styling Touches That Elevated the Look

Every detail amplified the overall effect:

• Jewelry & Accessories: Emerald earrings & necklace paired with diamonds added glamour and a pop of color against the dark lace.

• Shoes: Black open-toed heels/strappy sandals kept the focus up top while elongating her silhouette.

• Hair & Makeup: She styled her hair in an updo, letting face-framing bangs soften the look. Makeup leaned smoky and sultry with bold eyeliner and nude lips. Her nails were painted deep red for contrast.

Fashion, Empowerment & Statement

This appearance wasn’t just about glamour. The event supports initiatives against gender-based violence and promotes women’s empowerment.

Given that context, Johnson’s choice to wear something so revealing and confident felt like more than just a wardrobe statement, it was a nod to reclaiming power and agency.

She’s no stranger to sheer. Witnessing her past appearances—see-through dresses, mesh gowns, delicate lace layering—it’s clear this look fits into a larger trajectory of her fashion evolution. Where once minimalist or understated, she now embraces risk in ways that engage conversation.

The “Naked Dress” Trend Revisited

The sheer or “naked” dress is having a moment, especially during NYFW, and Dakota Johnson’s Gucci gown is among its most talked about iterations this season. The trend plays with vulnerability and exposure, while styling choices (like the undergarments, jewelry, and makeup) define its line between art and attention-seeking.

In recent weeks, other celebrities have experimented similarly—with sheer gowns, translucent layers, and visually bold underpinnings. Johnson’s look stands out for its balance—embracing transparency yet keeping elegance and purpose.

Reactions, Risks & Red Carpet Talk

While many fashion watchers cheered the look, others questioned whether it was too revealing for the backdrop. Some critics pointed out that sheer gowns run the risk of overshadowing the cause of the event, turning headlines toward outfit vs mission. But in Johnson’s case, the styling (bra/underwear pairing, modest elements like high neck and sleeves) helped anchor the dress in style rather than pure spectacle.

Social media was immediately divided: some applauded the confidence, the artistry, and the feminist undertones; others suggested the dress flirted with mere controversy. Either way, it sparked conversation—and that’s often part of what red carpet fashion is meant to do.

Takeaways & What It Means for Style

1. Balance is key: When playing with sheer/glamour, layers and framing (necklines, long sleeves) make a difference.

2. Context matters: An empowering event means fashion choices are interpreted differently than, say, a party. Johnson’s look aligns with the event’s values.

3. Accessories tell the story: Jewelry, nails, shoes—each small choice contributes to whether a daring dress reads as art, statement, or just shock.

4. Trend timing: Sheer is hot right now; aligning your boldest fashion moments with major cultural moments (Fashion Weeks, awards, charitable causes) can amplify impact and shareability.

Did She Pull It Off?

Absolutely. Dakota Johnson didn’t just wear a sheer Gucci gown, she turned it into a statement. The look was strong but styled smartly. It wasn’t just about exposure, it was about empowerment, fashion risk, and owning presence.

For fashion writers, it’s a benchmark moment: she’s nudged the needle on what public dress can say. And for her fans (or skeptics), it underscores that style isn’t just about what someone wears, it’s about who they decide to be by wearing it.