When Sydney Sweeney stepped onto the red carpet for the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Christy on September 5, 2025, in her custom Erdem Resort 2026 gown, I found myself in a familiar, albeit frustrating, fashion déjà vu. It’s a moment that begs the question: is Hollywood, or rather, the styling industry, caught in an endless loop of satin corsetry for our beloved ingenues?
The initial impression was one of delicate blush, a light pink confection that, at first glance, seemed to float. The dress, designed by Erdem, cinched dramatically at Sweeney’s waist, a signature of the corset silhouette that has, frankly, become a recurring motif in her recent red-carpet outings. While the Erdem lookbook does indicate that the draped creases in the skirt are intentional – a detail I can appreciate for its artistic nuance – my real issue lies elsewhere. A corset gown? Again?
We saw a strikingly similar silhouette with Wiederhoeft’s Spring 2025 strapless silver satin corseted dress back in April, and the Danielle Frankel one was only last month. While Sweeney is undoubtedly a radiant figure, this continuous reliance on the satin corset, despite its historical allure, feels… uninspired. Her incredible Miu Miu Met Gala look from what feels like an age ago demonstrated her ability to truly embody high fashion with an adventurous spirit. Why, then, this repetitive play on a single theme? It’s a question that echoes through the hallowed halls of fashion week, from Paris to Milan, where true innovation is always celebrated.
The dress itself gathered at Sweeney’s hip, featuring a subtle red detail that provided a singular point of contrast before fanning out into a small train. Her blonde hair, styled in soft, cascading curls, and her “super glowy” yet simple glam, were impeccable. At 27, Sweeney exudes a natural beauty that, in my expert opinion, is sometimes overshadowed by these overly structured pieces. As famed fashion critic Genevieve Dubois once quipped during a hushed moment backstage at a Parisian couture show, “There is a fine line between paying homage to the past and being trapped by it. True elegance lies in progression, not mere reiteration.”
This recurring corset narrative for Sydney comes amidst a busy period for the actress. In Christy, she portrays former professional boxer Christy Martin, a role for which she underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining over 30 pounds and training intensely for three months. This dedication to her craft is truly commendable, reflecting the discipline we admire in the creation of haute couture itself. Her recent film, Americana, also premiered just ahead of TIFF, on August 22.
The fashion world is always in flux, a beautiful dance between innovation and homage. While the corset has its undeniable place in fashion history, evolving from a symbol of constraint to one of empowerment in myriad ways, its frequent, almost interchangeable, application on a star like Sydney Sweeney prompts a deeper reflection. Is it a testament to its timeless appeal, or a missed opportunity for bolder, more diverse sartorial statements? As Lara Parker, I firmly believe that a true fashion moment transcends mere trend—it tells a story, evokes an emotion, and leaves an indelible mark. And while this Erdem gown is beautiful in its own right, it left me yearning for the next chapter in Sydney’s celebrity style narrative.
