Victoria Beckham's 1997 Brit Awards Dress Pioneered the Naked Dress Trend

The sheer, black illusion gown worn by the Spice Girls star predates recent celebrity takes on the revealing fashion style.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

The naked dress trend has been embraced by numerous celebrities in recent years, from Florence Pugh to Megan Fox. However, the roots of this revealing fashion style can be traced back to 1997, when Victoria Beckham (then known as Posh Spice) wore a groundbreaking sheer black gown to the Brit Awards.

Why it matters

Beckham's iconic 1997 dress helped pioneer the naked dress trend, which has become a staple on red carpets and fashion shows over the past decade. This look demonstrated the enduring appeal of sheer, revealing gowns that allow celebrities to push the boundaries of traditional formal wear.

The details

Beckham's 1997 Brit Awards dress, designed by Maria Grachvogel, featured a dark sheer top that cut into a V-shape around her waist, with lighter sheer paneling outlining the bottom of the dress. This striking silhouette and use of illusion fabric set the stage for the many naked dresses that would follow in the years to come, worn by stars like Megan Fox and Florence Pugh.

  • Victoria Beckham wore the iconic sheer dress to the 1997 Brit Awards.

The players

Victoria Beckham

Former Spice Girls member who wore a groundbreaking sheer black gown to the 1997 Brit Awards, helping to pioneer the naked dress trend.

Maria Grachvogel

The designer who created Victoria Beckham's 1997 Brit Awards dress, which featured a striking use of sheer and illusion fabric.

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What they’re saying

“Truly, this feels like the naked dress the roads should lead back to. It's remarkable.”

— Riley Utley, Author (cinemablend.com)

The takeaway

Victoria Beckham's 1997 Brit Awards dress demonstrated the enduring appeal of sheer, revealing gowns that push the boundaries of traditional formal wear. This iconic look paved the way for the many naked dresses that have become a staple on red carpets and fashion shows in recent years.