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The Vanity Fair afterparty is known for bringing out Hollywood's wildest fashion moments, but Julia Fox took things to a whole new level. Fresh off the biggest awards night of the year, celebrities swapped their elegant gowns for bold, boundary-pushing looks—Sydney Sweeney dripping in crystals, Emma Chamberlain laced in leather, and even vintage lace pieces older than some of the attendees. But nothing turned heads quite like Julia Fox's barely-there dress made entirely of... human hair.
Fox, never one to shy away from avant-garde fashion, stepped onto the red carpet in a Dilara Findikoglu creation named "Rebirth of Venus." The designer's vision? A post-apocalyptic world where women reclaim their power—literally wearing art as armor. Inspired by Botticelli's famous painting The Birth of Venus, the dress featured strategically placed curls wrapping around Fox's body, giving the illusion of a mythical mermaid emerging from the sea.
This daring ensemble isn't just about shock value—it's part of a long tradition of designers referencing The Birth of Venus. From Dolce & Gabbana's 1993 printed blazers to Alexander McQueen's 2010 tribute gown and Jean Paul Gaultier's screen-printed pieces (which even landed the brand in legal trouble with the Uffizi Gallery), the Renaissance masterpiece remains a fashion favorite. However, Findikoglu's version may be the most literal—transforming Venus's flowing hair into the fabric itself.
The rise of the naked dress isn't new, but Fox's look is a reminder that sheer fashion has evolved beyond mere risqué statements. At the 2025 Brit Awards, Charli XCX made waves in another Findikoglu sheer design, sparking debates over artistic expression and gender norms. Meanwhile, stars like Millie Bobby Brown and Ciara are playing it safe, opting for sheer fabrics with flesh-colored undergarments.
Fox, however, isn't here to play it safe. Her hair-woven gown is as much about art as it is about rebellion—a commentary on the ongoing battle between artistic freedom and society's obsession with modesty. As long as designers keep pushing boundaries, the naked dress will continue to evolve, blurring the lines between fashion, art, and controversy.
One thing is for sure—Julia Fox didn't just wear a dress that night. She wore a statement.
