Hailey Bieber's Red Carpet Look Sparked a Buzz

All eyes were on the model and entrepreneur at a high-profile Los Angeles event, but it wasn't her fame or beauty that left the internet gasping; it was the baffling construction of her designer gown.

Hailey Bieber turned heads at the 5th Annual Academy Museum Gala on October 18, 2025, wearing a daring piece from Schiaparelli Couture's Spring 2025 collection. Known for bold fashion choices, Bieber certainly didn't disappoint, but this time, her outfit sparked more confusion than applause.

A Stunning Silhouette With a Controversial Twist

Bieber walked the gray carpet in a strapless gown crafted from rich brown silk moire. This fabric rippled thanks to a swirling, wood-grain-like pattern that seemingly swayed along with her movements. The bodice was structured in a sharply defined corset cut, sculpting her chest.

But the real conversation starter was her waist, cinched dramatically with a beige silk moire panel that resembled a vintage waist trainer or girdle, creating an hourglass silhouette.

The contrasting color and material had a jarring effect, almost as if shapewear had been layered on top of the gown rather than being part of it. It hugged her torso extremely tight, drawing the eye straight to her midsection.

Just below that abrupt waist trainer, the brown moire resumed in a fluid drape, gathered to her left hip with a crystal-studded brooch. The rest of the fabric then cascaded into a straight skirt that featured a sky-high slit, revealing her toned leg.

Though undeniably couture, the gown’s complex construction and confusing contrast made it hard to ignore and even harder to agree on.

Netizens Question If the Look Was AI, Satire, or Simply a Fashion Fail

Although the gown was straight off a major runway and great for a Hollywood event, many viewers online couldn’t help but wonder if something had gone wrong.

On Facebook, one person wrote, "Is this for real or is it A.I.?" A commenter asked, "Why is the waist trainer outside the dress?"

Another wondered, "Isn't the shape wear for under the clothes? Have I been doing it all wrong?" Over on X, one person posted, "She looks uncomfortable in a dress that looks half made [sic]. Not a good look."

And this netizen may have a point. Bieber later shared personal photos of the evening on Instagram, writing, "always a beautiful night @academymuseum 🤎." But one image showed her leaning awkwardly on the seat's back support, seemingly because the corset wouldn't allow her to sit comfortably.

This tight choice seems to have caused the criticism online, which continued with another person on X calling the look "a sad tree or 90s sofa."

Praise Still Found Its Way Into the Comments

Fortunately, not all the reactions were mocking. Some followers found the look gorgeous, even visionary. One person wrote on X, "Gorgeous 😍," and another on Instagram added, "She looks beautiful, nice warm color!" Someone else gushed, "I was stunned when I saw this photo."

Vogue's TikTok also posted an exciting comparison clip, featuring the original runway model who wore the ensemble when it was debuted and Bieber's gray carpet appearance.

As with most fashion risks, Bieber's gown ignited an interesting but polarizing discussion online. Whether the design is genius or just plain confusing, one thing’s for sure: Nobody could look away.