The Female Gaze is Silver

Sydney Sweeney stunned in a sheer silver gown this past weekend at the 2025 Variety Power of Women gala. Her Wednesday red carpet appearance left paparazzi, spectators and fans in disbelief when her garments left nothing to the imagination. Furthering feminism or straight up trashy?

The Dress

Sweeney’s see-through, crystal get-up was designed by Christian Cowan, a successful fashion designer from the United Kingdom, as well as Elias Matso, a student who is based out of New York City and Florence.

The gown was floor length with shimmery sleeves. It hugged her body so tightly, it created the illusion that she had just stepped out of the shower. Sweeney’s breasts were outlined by the crystals, visible to anyone who glanced. The back of the dress was cinched from her neck down to her butt. She also rocked her blonde hair in a trendy, cool bob.

The Message

Sweeney has stated in multiple interviews that she is aware of how her character is sexualized and eroticized. Wearing this dress, to Sweeney, was supposed to be her “reclaiming her body.” She does not care if she is seen as sexy or scandalous, just as long as it is on her own terms and what better event to make this statement than a power of women event.

Sweeney has a new movie coming out entitled “Christy,” where she plays Christy Martin in a biographical picture about the female boxer named lifetime champion by the World Boxing Association. The film depicts a young Christy Martin fighting tooth and nail to earn her wins and shows that with enough commitment and bravery people, specifically women who are typically turned away, can do anything.

Sweeney was an honoree at the gala this Wednesday and dedicated her speech to Christy and talked about how women are not to be underestimated.

The Backlash

The backlash Sweeney faced from her dress was outrageous. People felt that the dress was inappropriate, some even stated having trouble focusing on her speech because of the sheer material of the dress.

The resistance Sweeney received from her outfit is exactly why her “statement” was needed. Women are allowed to do whatever they want with their bodies especially if it makes them feel powerful.

Wearing a see-through dress at a Power of Women event while talking about the minimization and underestimation of women is quite the message to us.

What do you think of Sydney Sweeney’s dress? Let us know @VALLEYMag on Instagram!

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