Two diametrically opposed trends are ruling red carpets right now. In one corner, there are the demure opera gloves, pastel satins, and diamond chokers of an Old Hollywood comeback. In the other, the naked dress has A-listers wrapped in its sheer, cut-out thrall. Never have the two joined forces in one subversive garment, until Serena Williams unveiled her custom Stella McCartney cut-out dress for the April 24 Time 100 Gala.
The tennis phenomenon-turned-beauty-mogul (and children's clothing designer) arrived on the red carpet in a dress that tore up the LBD playbook, literally. It starts as a straightforward off-the-shoulder design with thick straps, the better to display a stunning DeBeers choker. But as the dress travels to the ground, slashing cut-outs appear revealing stripes of Williams's abs and legs. It's Old Hollywood meets final girl—a styling turn someone like You season 5 star Madeline Brewer would appreciate.
