Gwyneth Paltrow made a striking return to the Academy Awards red carpet, turning heads with a daring fashion choice at the 98th ceremony in Los Angeles. The 53-year-old actress and founder of Goop appeared in a custom ivory silk gown by Armani Privé, embracing the increasingly popular “barely-there” style. The design featured a dramatic silhouette with high slits running along both sides of the dress, highlighting the actor’s tall frame. Paltrow, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love in 1999, has long been recognised for her distinctive red-carpet style. Her appearance this year marked her first time attending the ceremony in more than a decade.
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During the evening she presented the inaugural Best Casting award, which was given to Cassandra Kulukundis for her work on One Battle After Another. Paltrow also recently appeared alongside Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet in the table-tennis drama Marty Supreme.
The gown featured a strapless neckline with crystal detailing across the top, while sheer side panels created the illusion that the dress was split from hem to neckline. The effect gave a modern twist to the “naked dress” trend that has become increasingly prominent on red carpets in recent years.
She completed the look with white closed-toe heels by Christian Louboutin and understated diamond jewellery, allowing the dress itself to remain the focal point.
Reaction on social media was mixed. Some fans praised the actor’s confidence and willingness to take a fashion risk, with many users responding positively on platforms such as TikTok using heart and thumbs-up emojis. Others, particularly on Instagram, were less enthusiastic, with a number of comments suggesting the revealing design was unnecessary.
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Despite the divided reactions, many observers credited Paltrow for returning to the Oscars red carpet with a bold statement. To avoid any wardrobe mishaps, the gown was paired with delicate sheer trousers beneath the dress, adding a discreet layer beneath the striking design.
