Halle Berry turned heads at the 2025 Met Gala, captivating the crowd in one of the most daring ensembles of the evening.
At 58, the Academy Award-winning actress proved she's still a red carpet icon, confidently stepping onto the Met steps in a striking sheer gown that drew immediate attention for its revealing design — seemingly worn without underwear.
A Bold Fashion Statement
With a career spanning over 30 years, Berry remains one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and highest-paid actresses. Her 2001 Oscar-winning performance in Monster’s Ball marked a historic moment, making her the first Black woman to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
Returning to the Met Gala for the first time since 2017, Berry embraced the event’s theme with a bold look that has since gone viral. Designed by LaQuan Smith, her custom gown featured sheer striped fabric, a plunging neckline, and dramatic tailoring, channeling what Smith described as “sexy Bond girl meets Harlem Renaissance.” The inspiration? The Mongolian snow leopard.
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| Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue |
Her ensemble was further elevated by Cartier jewels — a total of 31.69 carats of diamonds and 3.74 carats of onyx, with some pieces requiring more than 300 hours of craftsmanship. The earrings alone mirrored the intricate geometry of her necklace, adding both elegance and cohesion to the look.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
While many applauded the outfit as a bold and artistic fashion moment, the look has not been without its critics. Online, some social media users labeled it “trashy” and “inappropriate,” arguing that the sheer design went too far.
Comments ranged from disapproval of her apparent lack of underwear to accusations of seeking attention:
“Just straight up trashy,” one person posted. Another wrote, “Why is her punani out omg?”
Despite the backlash, others praised Berry for her fearless approach and celebrated the look as a form of empowered self-expression.
Intention Behind the Design
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated menswear through the lens of Black dandyism — a cultural movement rooted in self-definition, resistance, and sartorial pride. The official dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged attendees to reinterpret tradition through personal style.
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| Matt Crossick/PA Images via Getty Images |
LaQuan Smith said Berry’s gown was crafted with that ethos in mind. “We took elements of classic tailoring — strong shoulders, sharp lines — and reinvented them with sheer fabrics, stretch silk, and cutouts,” he explained.
He also credited Berry with being an active collaborator throughout the process. “She knows exactly who she is and brought that energy to every fitting. It wasn’t just about wearing a gown — she helped shape the vision,” Smith said.
Fashion Risk or Red Carpet Misstep?
Berry’s appearance undeniably made an impact, stirring conversation across social media and fashion circles alike. While some saw her look as a powerful celebration of style and identity, others questioned whether it pushed the envelope too far.
Was it a fearless expression of individuality, or an overstep in the name of shock value? As with many bold fashion moments, the answer depends on who you ask.
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