Angelina Jolie Highlights the Romance of Naked Dresses by Sarah Burton for Givenchy

With Chanel serving as a prominent sponsor of Angelina Jolie‘s film Couture, expectations were high for her to debut a stunning Matthieu Blazy design. However, she surprised fans by choosing a custom naked dress from Givenchy’s Sarah Burton for the February 9 premiere in Paris.

Fresh from Paris Haute Couture Week, Jolie had numerous Spring 2026 Couture options at her disposal before the Couture screening. Ultimately, she opted for a piece by Burton. This striking ensemble featured a short-sleeved maxi designed from nearly invisible illusion mesh. Sparkling silver sequins formed classic floral designs atop the otherwise sleek slip dress. The skirt further accentuated the avant-garde look with sequin fringe embroidery that extended beyond the nude underlay’s hem—a daring departure from Burton’s otherwise refined Spring 2026 collection.

After emphasizing the intricate design of her gown, Jolie revealed its completely open back. Behind-the-scenes shots featured a delicate clasp at the top of her spine, securing the backless cutout, which highlighted her back tattoo. Beneath the sequins, a nude mini-slip peeked through, and the skirt boasted a daring knee-high slit at the back.

To complete her look, Jolie accessorized with diamond stud earrings, a coordinating cocktail ring, and black satin Givenchy pumps. With such a dazzling dress, minimal jewelry was all that was needed to create the perfect ensemble.

Burton’s Givenchy is off to a remarkable—and sheer—start this year. In 2026 alone, Doechii, Renate Reinsve, and Jennifer Lawrence have all embraced her illusion styles. At the 2026 Golden Globes, Lawrence wore a similar nude tulle gown, distinguished by delicate powder-pink floral embroidery. The spaghetti-thin straps and fitted, flared skirt featured botanical designs that harmoniously dispersed around cutouts and the sheer center of the skirt.

At this point, the trend of naked dressing is firmly established on the red carpet. As designers like Burton engage in this style, they must continuously innovate by experimenting with different fabrics, silhouettes, or techniques to keep it fresh.

For Givenchy, this means creating sheer garments that evoke a sense of whimsy. While adding floral or sequin embellishments may seem less sensual, they undeniably exude romance. Jolie’s array of nearly naked gowns—including her lace Elie Saab gown at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards—reflect this approach. It was inevitable that Burton’s delicate interpretations would catch Jolie’s interest.