Hailey Bieber ignited a social media storm at the Australian premiere of Wuthering Heights in Sydney after arriving in a sheer black lace gown that critics said looked more appropriate for "a bedroom" than a literary film debut. Within hours, images from the red carpet at the State Theatre were circulating widely online, splitting audiences between admiration and reproach.
Bieber, founder of Rhode Beauty, wore a floor-length Chantilly lace design by Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello. The ensemble featured a halter-style bralette, visible briefs and dramatic bell sleeves-elements fashion observers described as consistent with the luxury house's recent embrace of "naked dressing," a trend that merges lingerie silhouettes with formalwear.
The premiere drew global attention in its own right. The latest adaptation of Emily Brontë's 1847 novel is directed by Emerald Fennell and stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, positioning the event as one of the year's more closely watched literary film launches. Coverage from Australian media confirmed Bieber's attendance among an international guest list.
Yet it was the transparency of the gown that dominated online discourse. One widely shared post described it as "an outfit that belongs in a bedroom, not at a movie premiere," while another accused the model of maintaining an "obsession with dressing like a Victoria's Secret model." The comments quickly amassed thousands of interactions, demonstrating how rapidly fashion debates escalate in the algorithmic age.
At the same time, supporters praised the look as aligned with the film's gothic romanticism. Vogue characterized the styling as a sensual nod to Victorian aesthetics filtered through modern minimalism. Admirers argued the choice reflected deliberate cohesion with the source material's brooding tone.
The backlash underscores a recurring tension in red-carpet culture. Designers increasingly blur distinctions between private and public dress, while audiences continue to apply contextual expectations depending on venue and theme. Film premieres traditionally emphasize thematic elegance over overt sensuality, and deviations often provoke polarized responses.
Industry analysts note that such controversies frequently serve dual purposes. Bieber's appearance coincided with promotional engagements tied to Rhode's Australian retail expansion, lending a commercial layer to the event. High-visibility fashion moments during international brand rollouts can generate global media exposure that extends well beyond conventional advertising.
