Sheer Brilliance: Celebrities Illuminate Dolce & Gabbana’s 40th Anniversary with Ethereal Elegance

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Celebrities have this affinity for the sheer trend. For years, sheer dresses and gowns have dominated the red carpet, and whether you like it or not, the trend is here to stay. I even feel like it has become an alternative to classic black dresses.

At the inauguration of the Dal Cuore alle Mani Dolce & Gabbana exhibition held at Palazzo Reale on Saturday, nearly every A-list attendee wore sheer outfits. Aside from Demi Moore, who dazzled in a crystal-embellished silver sheer gown, Lupita Nyong’o, Lily James, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley donned black sheer outfits.

Let’s look at the statement-making sheer looks at the Dolce & Gabbana exhibition, organized to commemorate the Italian luxury fashion house’s 40th anniversary.

Lupita Nyong’o in a Playful Sheer Catsuit and Crystal-Embellished Bralette and Mini Skirt Combo

Lupita Nyong’o, who was photographed sharing a steamy kiss with Joshua Jackson during their getaway in Puerto Vallarta last month, confidently showcased her toned physique in the feminine and sensual Kim Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2023 stretch tulle jumpsuit with a high neck, long sleeves, and an ankle-length hem.

Adding a dash of glitter and modesty to the see-through catsuit, the Black Panther star layered it underneath a crystal-encrusted bralette with a square neck and thick shoulder straps. The bottom part of her outfit included a micro mini skirt embellished with the same glistening crystals.

The unconventional outfit, which I think is very Gen Z, was paired with Dolce & Gabbana satin pumps with 4.5-inch silver-tone metal heels, available for $815 at Mytheresa. Although the pumps are a classic option, I would have appreciated it more if she had worn ankle boots for a seamless finish.

Lupita Nyong'o shows off her toned figure in a black sheer bodysuit with a crystal-embellished bralette and mini skirt set at the inauguration of the Dal Cuore alle Mani Dolce & Gabbana exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Italy on April 6, 2024Lupita Nyong’o shows off her toned figure in a black sheer bodysuit with a crystal-embellished bralette and mini skirt set at the inauguration of the Dal Cuore alle Mani Dolce & Gabbana exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Italy on April 6, 2024 (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

The 41-year-old actress’ ensemble reminds me of Kim Kardashian’s May 2022 Instagram post, in which she is seen posing on a yacht decked out in a similar sheer bodysuit and a crystal-embellished bralette and mini skirt combo by Dolce & Gabbana.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)

Save for a pair of diamond stud earrings, Lupita eschewed any other jewelry. Instead, she enhanced her sleek ensemble with the $345 DG Essentials Sunglasses, featuring a refined and minimalist design with the iconic DG Crossed emblem adorning the temples.

Her thick, textured black hair was arranged like a crown on her head, styled with a black latex headwrap.

Complementing her disco-looking outfit, Lupita wore metallic berry makeup and white frosted eyeshadow under her eyes.

Lupita Nyong'o exudes confidence in her see-through black bodysuit and crystal co-ord paired with Dolce & Gabbana satin pumpsLupita Nyong’o exudes confidence in her see-through black bodysuit and crystal co-ord paired with Dolce & Gabbana satin pumps (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Lily James Blends Sensuality with Sophistication in Sheer Halter Crop Top and Wide-Leg Pants

Giving off a sleek, smart, and sensual vibe, Lily James wore a black sheer halterneck crop top with high-waisted wide-leg pants by Dolce & Gabbana.

I like the flower corsage adorning the halter neck of her delicate silk chiffon top, $799 at Mytheresa. It adds a romantic, feminine touch that enhances the sensual appeal of the sheer crop top.

What I didn’t like about the ensemble was her bra. In particular, I thought the exposed straps made the look tacky. I would have liked it more if she had worn a strapless or halter bra, which would have given her outfit a more polished appearance.

Lily James rocks a black sheer halter crop top with wide-leg pants at the Dal Cuore alle Mani Dolce & Gabbana exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Italy on April 6, 2024Lily James rocks a black sheer halter crop top with wide-leg pants at the Dal Cuore alle Mani Dolce & Gabbana exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Italy on April 6, 2024 (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Paired with high-waisted wide-leg pants and sharply pointed pumps, the romantic evening look was given a sleek, contemporary spin.

The Downton Abbey star gave the outfit an extravagant touch by accessorizing with the house’s $14,500 18k yellow gold cross earrings, decorated with 124 round black sapphires, four Virgin Mary and cherub medallions, and two freshwater drop pearls.

I like how James gave her all-black outfit a splash of vibrant red color with crimson lipstick and matching red nail polish. A neat center-parted bun hairstyle rounded out her sophisticated look.

Lily James adds a splash of color to her all-black ensemble with red manicure and vibrant red lipstickLily James adds a splash of color to her all-black ensemble with red manicure and vibrant red lipstick (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Commands Attention in Sheer Lingerie Dress

Leaving little to the imagination, English model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a completely sheer dress with nothing but lingerie underneath.

While I’m not surprised she wore black since it has been her red carpet go-to color, I was a little taken aback by her choice of see-through dress. Though she’s no stranger to flesh-baring cutouts, I’m just used to seeing RHW in elegant, refined ensembles on the red carpet.

In addition to the sheer construction, it has a plunging neckline, a corseted bodice, and a softly pleated midi skirt. I think her Spring 2024 dress is too revealing for the glamorous Dolce & Gabbana 40th anniversary celebration; she looks amazing nonetheless.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley commands attention in a see-through sheer dress with lace lingerie and a garter belt at the Dal Cuore alle Mani Dolce & Gabbana exhibition at Palazzo Reale on April 6, 2024Rosie Huntington-Whiteley commands attention in a see-through sheer dress with lace lingerie and a garter belt at the Dal Cuore alle Mani Dolce & Gabbana exhibition at Palazzo Reale on April 6, 2024 (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Adding some coverage and enhancing the look’s sensual flair, RHW wore matching lingerie underneath.

She opted for the Spring/Summer 2024 panelled tulle bra, $415 at Farfetch, made from a silk blend with a satin finish. It has semi-sheer tulle panels with triangle cups, a sweetheart neckline, and rear crisscross silk straps secured with a hook and zip fastening. The coordinating $355 panties also have tulle panels and a regular rise.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley added even more sensuous touches to the ensemble by wearing a lace garter belt, $625 at Farfetch, cut from point d’esprit tulle with floral lace accents and scalloped edges. It has a gold-tone DG logo lettering, logo-jacquard elasticated straps, and logo-embossed suspender clips that held her Dolce & Gabbana stockings ($115 at FWRD) in place.

I like her choice of minimalist sandals to complement her already striking outfit. She wore the “Keira” sandals crafted from black leather with round open toes, front straps, and DG logo plaques on the ankle straps and silver pointy stiletto heels. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, these sandals are available for $995 at Farfetch.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley styles her lingerie dress with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and heels by Dolce & GabbanaRosie Huntington-Whiteley styles her lingerie dress with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and heels by Dolce & Gabbana (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

RHW didn’t skimp on accessories, adding extra glitz to her all-black outfit. She wore the $6,900 Tiffany & Co. Lock earrings in 18k yellow with 0.19ct round brilliant diamonds, the $21,000 Tiffany HardWear Medium Link Bracelet in 18k white gold with 1.39ct diamonds, and the $16,000 Tiffany Lock bangle in 18k yellow and white gold with 1.20ct round brilliant diamonds.

The Jessica McCormack Tilted Pear Diamond Button Back Ring and the Tiffany Soleste Half Eternity 18k Yellow Gold Ring with a half circle of round brilliant diamonds adorned her manicured hands.

She then carried a small Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag made of polished black leather with a gold-tone logo plaque on the front flap closure. Though it has a rounded top handle, RHW carried it like a clutch, which I think was appropriate for the occasion.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Rosie HW (@rosiehw)