Sydney Sweeney made a striking appearance on the red carpet at the 2025 Variety Power of Women Los Angeles event, held on October 29 at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.
The event, which honors women who inspire and empower, was filled with a star-studded list of honorees, including the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Kate Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Wanda Sykes.
However, it was Sweeney’s bold fashion choice that quickly became the talk of the night, and the internet.
A Bold Fashion Statement: Sydney Sweeney’s See-Through Gown
For the occasion, the Euphoria star donned a figure-hugging silver dress from Christian Cowan’s Spring 2026 collection.
The sheer gown, which left little to the imagination, quickly captured everyone’s attention.
The gown, which had been showcased with liquid-sculpture precision on the runway, was intended to evoke a sense of Old Hollywood glamour.
Sydney Sweeney at Variety's 2025 Power Of Women. Credit: Steve Granitz/Getty
Designer Reacts
The dress, from the aforementioned Christian Cowan’s Spring 2026 collection, was a collaboration with Elias Matso.
Taking the Instagram, the designer shed more light on the dress, writing: #SydneySweeney wears Christian Cowan x Elias Matso crystal twisted waist gown from the Christian Cowan Spring Summer 2026 collection."
One comment on the post read: "I’ve said it before and WILL say it again, this dress is perfection."
Sydney Sweeney Breaks Her Silence on the Viral Dress
Amidst the viral reactions to her fashion choice, Sweeney chose to focus on the more meaningful aspects of the evening.
Rather than addressing the buzz surrounding her outfit, she used her platform to share a heartfelt message.
Posting on Instagram, she shared a video of her speech from the event, where she honored Christy Martin, a trailblazing female boxer who has overcome immense personal hardship.
In the caption, she thanked Variety and Christy Martin, saying: "Thank you @variety, @christy_r_martin and all the women who inspire us in big and small ways."
In the speech itself, she emphasized the importance of perseverance, noting, "The power to rise and to fight and to keep believing in yourself, even when no one else does."
Sydney Sweeney and Christy Martin. Credit: Gilbert Flores/Getty
A Tribute to Christy Martin
In a deeply moving moment, Sweeney dedicated her recognition to Christy Martin, who was also in attendance at the event.
Martin, a former world champion boxer, has faced significant personal challenges, including a traumatic history of domestic violence.
Sweeney spoke about her admiration for Martin and the powerful role she’s played in redefining sports and empowering women.
"And as much as I am incredibly honored to be recognized as one of these women, there’s someone way more important and special than me I would like to dedicate this to," Sweeney said during her speech.
"She is a woman who not only redefines higher sport but who struggles with domestic violence and sexual identity, gave a voice to so many who might not have had one. She means a lot to me, and I am so happy she’s here tonight, she’s a hero, you are an ultimate underdog, Christy Martin."