Power, Glam, and McQueen: Sydney Sweeney’s Daring Red-Carpet Evolution at Variety’s Young Hollywood 2023

Sydney Sweeney made headlines once again at Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood party at NeueHouse Los Angeles, proving her red-carpet evolution is every bit as bold as her on-screen performances.

The 25-year-old actress, celebrated as one of Variety’s 2023 cover stars, used the moment to honor her breakout journey — from Euphoria to The White Lotus — while showing unwavering support for creator Sam Levinson amid ongoing debates about his boundary-pushing storytelling.

All eyes were on Sweeney as she showcased her sculpted silhouette in a two-piece black leather ensemble by British fashion house Alexander McQueen, a look that perfectly balanced power, polish, and her signature bombshell confidence.

Sydney Sweeney commands attention in a structured black leather corset top and matching peplum-slit skirt by Alexander McQueen, paired with sleek “Punk” pumps, as she celebrates her Variety Power of Young Hollywood cover on August 10, 2023 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Sydney Sweeney Stuns in Leather Alexander McQueen Ensemble and Punk Pumps

Sydney gave onlookers an eyeful of her cleavage in the daring ensemble composed of a $2,790 corseted bustier top with a low-cut sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps, and a matching $4,500 maxi skirt with a zip slash and a thigh-high slit.

A structured peplum belt, available for $2,390 at Saks Fifth Avenue, completed the look, adding volume and a vintage spin to the sexy glam-rock ensemble.

The Handmaid’s Tale actress posed for the cameras wearing the $950 Alexander McQueen “Punk” pumps crafted from black leather with silver-finished metal toe caps and 3.5-inch lacquered stiletto heels boosting her 5’3 3/4″ height.

Sydney Sweeney puts on a busty display in a low-cut leather bustier top, a black leather maxi skirt, and a structured peplum belt (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

More Iconic Alexander McQueen Heel Moments

Before diving into Sydney’s glam details, it’s worth exploring other unforgettable Alexander McQueen shoe appearances — from runway innovation to red-carpet elegance.

Silver Accents and Soft Glam: Inside Sydney Sweeney’s Alexander McQueen Beauty Look

Her stylist, Molly Dickson, whose celebrity clients include Camilla Mendes, Lucy Hale, Sadie Sink, and Katherine Langford, completed her grungy look with a selection of silver accessories.

Sweeney styled her all-black ensemble with the $690 Alexander McQueen Jewelled Accumulation earring in antique silver with Swarovski crystals and statement rings from Mara Paris and Ralph Masri.

Her glam team, composed of makeup artist Melissa Hernandez and hairstylist Glen Oropeza, decided to give Sweeney a soft glam look.

Her lustrous blonde tresses were parted in the middle and styled with softly curled ends, while her radiant makeup featured shimmering silver eyeshadow, fluttery eyelashes, and a pink lip gloss.

Sydney Sweeney is every inch a bombshell with her wavy blonde tresses, silver eyeshadow, and pink lip gloss (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Celebrating Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood With Noah Schnapp and Steve Lacy

Along with Sweeney, the two other cover stars for this year’s Variety Power of Young Hollywood issue include actor Noah Schnapp, well known for his work in Stranger Things, and singer-songwriter Steve Lacy.

After the occasion, Sydney posted a carousel of photos from the event, thanking Variety for including her “in the class of 2023.”

Sydney Sweeney Channels ’90s Bombshell Vibes in Playful Variety Photoshoot

Days before the celebration, Sydney Sweeney gave fans a playful peek at her Variety photoshoot, sharing a carousel of ‘90s-inspired shots on Instagram.

Channeling her inner bombshell, the Euphoria star posed in a pink-and-gold printed bodysuit, ice cream in hand, blending retro glamour with modern confidence.

“Honored to be one of @variety’s Power of Young Hollywood this year,” she captioned the post — a lovely prelude to her red-carpet takeover.

Sydney Sweeney Opens Up About Working With Sam Levinson

Sydney Sweeney rose to prominence as Cassie in the teen drama series Euphoria, which earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

The show, created by Sam Levinson and starring Zendaya, received positive reviews from critics, who praised its accurate, realistic portrayal of teens. However, it has also earned the ire of viewers who found the excessive nudity and the frequent depiction of underage sex disturbing.

Sam Levinson, the creative force behind the popular series “Euphoria” and “The Idol,” has come under scrutiny for what some critics and viewers perceive as an excessive display of nudity and the frequent portrayal of sexual situations involving underage characters in his productions (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Sam Levinson, who also created the controversial HBO series The Idol, has faced backlash for his shows’ content, which often leans heavily on sexualization and exploitation of young women.

Despite the controversy, Sweeney is standing by Levinson, telling Variety that the director never made them feel uncomfortable and that Euphoria gave her a sense of power.

“Chaos thrives on that set, because that’s when the most incredible art is made,” Sweeney said in her Variety cover story.

Sydney Sweeney defends Sam Levinson in her Variety Power of Young Hollywood cover story (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

She also emphasized the importance of communication while filming the series.

“You have me, you have Z [Zendaya], you have all of these very strong-minded, independent women. If we didn’t feel comfortable with something, or we saw something we didn’t like, we’d all speak up.”

Speaking in Levinson’s defense, Sweeney added, “It’s hard to see someone completely trashed by the public and the media when no one’s actually there. We are there, and clearly we’re still working on the show, and we’re still supportive.”

“The point is making people uncomfortable, and thinking outside the box. What else is the point of art? For me, I feel so free and confident now. And I’ve found that through Cassie,” she continued.

Sydney Sweeney defends Euphoria creator Sam Levinson over excessive nudity and underage sex in the teen drama series (Credit: HBO)

Explore More of Sydney Sweeney’s Standout Shoe Moments

From edgy Alexander McQueen leather to ethereal gowns and sparkling Miu Miu heels, Sydney Sweeney continues to evolve as one of Hollywood’s most captivating fashion chameleons. Discover more of her unforgettable red-carpet and off-duty style moments below.

Sydney Sweeney commands the red carpet at the 2022 GQ Men of the Year Awards in London—sponsored by BOSS—in a custom black LaQuan Smith Spring/Summer 2023 gown featuring an asymmetric sleeve, sculpted waist cutouts, a sweeping train, and a futuristic $15,000 silver metallic breastplate that perfectly captured her bold “Barbarella-era” allure (Credit: John Rainford / Cover Images)