5 Times Zoë Kravitz Redefined The 'Naked Dress' Trend And Sparked Global Controversy (2025 Updates)

Zoë Kravitz has consistently been one of Hollywood's most fearless style icons, often using fashion as a statement on body autonomy and artistic expression. As of December 18, 2025, the discourse around her high-profile, ultra-minimalist outfits remains a dominant topic in celebrity style, proving that the actress, musician, and director is not afraid to challenge public perception and expectations. Kravitz's approach to the "naked dress" trend—a style defined by sheer fabric, strategic cut-outs, or minimal coverage—is always intentional, often drawing as much attention for its boldness as for the global conversation it sparks about women’s bodies in the public eye.

From defending her sheer Met Gala look to debuting custom, midriff-baring Saint Laurent ensembles for her latest film premieres, Kravitz continues to push boundaries. Her choices are less about shock value and more about confidence, making her a central figure in the modern movement toward boundary-pushing, body-positive celebrity fashion. This deep dive explores the key moments where Zoë Kravitz made the "naked" look her own, cementing her status as a generational style provocateur.

Zoë Kravitz: A Biography and Career Profile

Zoë Isabella Kravitz is an American actress, musician, and director known for portraying multifaceted, quietly powerful women on screen and for her distinct, influential personal style.

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• Birth Name: Zoë Isabella Kravitz
• Date of Birth: December 1, 1988
• Birth Place: Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California, United States
• Parents: Musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet.
• Profession: Actress, Director, Producer, Musician.
• Notable Film/TV Roles:
  • Catwoman/Selina Kyle in The Batman (2022)
  • Bonnie Carlson in Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
  • Rob Brooks in High Fidelity (2020)
  • Christina in Divergent film series (2014–2016)
  • Toast the Knowing in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
• Directorial Debut: Blink Twice (2024)
• Upcoming Projects: The Studio (2025)
• Personal Life: Was married to actor Karl Glusman (2019–2021). Was in a high-profile relationship with Channing Tatum, which ended in late 2024.

The Evolution of Zoë Kravitz’s Daring Fashion Statements

Kravitz’s relationship with fashion is deeply rooted in her artistic nature. She has frequently collaborated with Saint Laurent’s Creative Director, Anthony Vaccarello, whose designs often feature a blend of rock-and-roll edge with sheer, minimalist, and provocative silhouettes. This partnership has been the catalyst for many of her most talked-about "naked" looks, where she transforms potentially controversial outfits into statements of high fashion and effortless cool.

Her style is often described as "quiet sensuality," focusing on clean lines, high-quality fabrics, and a subtle yet undeniable sexiness. The intention behind her most daring choices is not merely to reveal skin, but to celebrate the female form as a work of art, often drawing inspiration from vintage fashion and the iconic looks of her mother, Lisa Bonet.

1. The Viral 2021 Met Gala Sheer Gown and Her Defense

The outfit that arguably cemented Kravitz’s status as a fashion rebel was the 2021 Met Gala look. Attending the event themed "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion," she wore a custom Saint Laurent mesh slip dress that was almost entirely sheer, save for a small thong underneath.

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The look immediately went viral, drawing both praise for its audacity and heavy criticism from online commentators who deemed it "practically naked."

Kravitz’s response to the backlash was perhaps more powerful than the dress itself. She took to social media to defend her choice, directly addressing a critic by stating, "Being uncomfortable with the human body is a cultural thing. Not a personal one." This defense reframed the conversation, shifting the focus from the dress's transparency to the societal discomfort with female sexuality and body positivity.

2. The August 2024 'Naked Abs' Premiere Ensemble

In August 2024, Kravitz once again stole the spotlight at the New York City premiere of her film, Caught Stealing. She arrived in a custom all-black Saint Laurent ensemble that put a modern, architectural spin on the "naked" trend.

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The outfit was described as a midriff-baring set, featuring a plunging black top and a uniquely designed skirt. The skirt was notable for what was described as "plunging bottoms," which incorporated daring cut-outs that exposed her lower abdomen and sides, creating a "naked abs" effect. This look demonstrated her continued commitment to working with Anthony Vaccarello to create high-fashion moments that are both provocative and impeccably tailored.

3. The 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party Cut-Out Gown

The "naked dress" trend dominated the 2025 awards season, and Kravitz delivered one of the most sophisticated interpretations at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party. Her Saint Laurent gown, while appearing minimal and sleek from the front, featured a dramatic and intricate back design.

The black dress incorporated striking cut-outs: a V-shaped section framing her upper and lower back, and a circular cut-out that revealed a portion of her lower back and side. This was a masterclass in controlled sensuality, proving that the "naked dress" doesn't have to be sheer to be daring. It was a quieter, more refined take on the trend, focusing on strategic exposure rather than full transparency.

4. The Nude Cover Shoot for Elle Magazine

Beyond the red carpet, Kravitz has embraced nudity in a high-fashion editorial context. For the cover of Elle magazine's February issue, she posed nude, wearing only a headband. This was part of a larger conversation about her career, her identity, and her journey toward self-acceptance.

In the accompanying interview, Kravitz spoke candidly about feeling more comfortable in her own skin, a sentiment that directly translates to her unapologetic fashion choices. This editorial decision reinforced her message: the female body is not something to be hidden or ashamed of, but a natural form to be celebrated in all its complexity.

5. The Saint Laurent Lace Mini Dress at the Paris Screening

Even for smaller, non-Oscars events, Kravitz maintains her high-fashion, minimalist edge. For the Paris screening of Caught Stealing, she wore a Saint Laurent satin lace mini dress. While not as dramatically sheer as her Met Gala look, this piece continued her exploration of intimate fabrics and short hemlines, often paired with the brand's signature Frankie mules.

These consistent choices—always high-end, always Saint Laurent, and always pushing the boundary of traditional modesty—demonstrate a cohesive and deliberate style strategy. She is not simply wearing clothes; she is crafting a narrative around celebrity, fashion, and the power of the female gaze.

Topical Authority: Why Zoë Kravitz Matters in Fashion

Zoë Kravitz’s impact goes beyond just wearing revealing clothes; she is a key figure in the body positivity and fashion autonomy movements. Her consistent choice of daring, custom-made cut-out gowns and sheer dresses places her at the forefront of the "naked dress" trend that has dominated the industry from 2021 through 2025.

By publicly defending her choices against critics, she uses her platform to challenge the double standards applied to women's bodies. She has successfully turned moments of potential controversy into powerful statements about self-confidence and artistic freedom. Kravitz’s style, often in collaboration with her long-time stylist and the house of Saint Laurent, is a masterclass in blending rock-and-roll heritage with avant-garde minimalism, making her a perennial source of inspiration and conversation for celebrity style critics and fans alike.