Halle Berry made a jaw-dropping return to the Met Gala this year, turning heads in one of the night’s most talked-about looks — a sheer gown that seemed to leave underwear out of the equation.
At 58, the Oscar-winning actress showed she’s still a red carpet force, exuding confidence in a daring ensemble that blended high fashion with bold self-expression.
A Statement Years in the Making
Berry, one of Hollywood’s highest-paid and most recognizable stars, hasn’t graced the Met steps since 2017. But her 2025 comeback wasn’t subtle. Dressed in a striking sheer-striped gown by American designer LaQuan Smith, the actress embraced the night’s theme with an outfit that some praised as art — and others called inappropriate.
The design, described by Smith as “sexy Bond girl meets Harlem Renaissance,” was a couture creation inspired by the Mongolian snow leopard. It featured over 31 carats of diamonds and nearly 4 carats of onyx, all painstakingly crafted by Cartier over more than 1,400 hours. Berry’s coordinating earrings alone took 319 hours to complete, mirroring the bold geometry of her necklace.
Mixed Reactions Online
While many admired Berry’s fearless fashion choice, online critics didn’t hold back. Her sheer gown — which appeared to forgo traditional undergarments — drew sharp reactions, with some calling the look “trashy,” “cheap,” and “too revealing.”
“Just straight up trashy,” one user posted. Another commented, “Why is her punani out omg.” Others accused her of using shock value, saying, “One thing about Halle — she’s always half-naked.”
Style With Purpose
Despite the online backlash, both Berry and designer LaQuan Smith stood by the look. Smith said the gown was crafted with a clear message: to reflect the Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The event celebrated Black dandyism and the power of personal tailoring as both cultural expression and resistance.
“We reimagined traditional tailoring through sheer fabrics and bold cuts,” Smith told Vogue. “It was about exaggerated lines, elegance, and owning the space unapologetically.”
Berry, too, played a key role in shaping the gown, not just wearing it. “She wasn’t just putting on a dress — she was part of the creation,” Smith added. “She knows who she is and brings that vision to life.”
Art or Overexposure?
Berry’s look reignited a familiar debate: when does fashion push boundaries, and when does it push too far? While many hailed her as fearless and fashion-forward, others questioned if the choice matched the moment.
Still, the buzz proves one thing — after more than 30 years in the spotlight, Halle Berry remains a style icon who refuses to play it safe.
