Dakota Johnson Ignites No-Pants Trend at Paris Fashion Week

Dakota Johnson solidified the Dakota Johnson no-pants trend during Paris Haute Couture Week by showcasing an intricate ensemble at the Valentino fashion show. The 36-year-old actress demonstrated a bold interpretation of layering sheer and textured fabrics, embodying the growing movement toward underwear-inspired outerwear on the runway this year.

Details of Dakota Johnson’s Bold Look and Accessories

Johnson’s outfit featured a transparent leopard-print blouse with a deep neckline and an integrated skinny scarf, tucked neatly into black lace panties. Complementing the daring bottom were sheer brown stockings accented with floral lace patterns. Over this, she wore a brown kimono-style top highlighted with gold speckles and feather-trimmed cuffs, creating an ethereal appearance. Her look was finished with classic black Valentino heels studded with signature silver details and a green Valentino Garavani DeVain clutch bag.

Tribute to Valentino Garavani Amid Fashion Week

The Valentino show took place shortly after the passing of Valentino Garavani, the brand’s founder, at the age of 93. News of his death was publicly shared alongside funeral arrangements.

“The lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday January 21st and Thursday January 22nd, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm,”

the announcement stated.

Additionally, details for the funeral were confirmed:

“The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11am.”

This ceremony marks a significant moment for the fashion community as they bid farewell to the legendary designer.

Contextualizing the No-Pants Trend in Contemporary Fashion

The no-pants trend that Johnson exemplifies during Haute Couture Week in Paris traces back to the Autumn/Winter 2023 shows and has steadily permeated major fashion events. Pioneering designers like Miu Miu introduced beaded silk panties on their runways, while the 2025 Met Gala unleashed a wave of pantless silhouettes. Celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, in a tailored Saint Laurent blazer, Sabrina Carpenter with a Louis Vuitton bodysuit-and-jacket, and Cynthia Erivo in a daring Givenchy ensemble, embraced this style daringly.

Dakota Johnson
Image of: Dakota Johnson

Fashion experts note this trend blurs traditional boundaries between underwear and outerwear. The Autumn/Winter 2025 seasons saw this hybridization revived, presenting provocative and modern statements. Simone Rocha combined furry bras with leather jackets paired with flowing skirts, Chanel exposed bras beneath tailored suits, and Givenchy’s Sarah Burton styled sheer mesh dresses over minimal brassieres.

Innovative Presentation at the Valentino Show

The Valentino runway drew inspiration from the Kaiserpanorama, a 19th- and 20th-century viewing device with small peepholes. Models moved amid circular installations while attendees observed through tiny square apertures, introducing a unique interactive element to fashion presentation. This setting heightened the allure of Johnson’s layered look, accentuating the delicate balance of fabrics.

Significance and Anticipated Influence of the No-Pants Movement

Dakota Johnson’s appearance not only reinforces the endurance of the no-pants trend but also exemplifies its increasing normalization in high fashion. This sartorial choice symbolizes a shift towards blending provocative undertones with elegant couture, challenging traditional concepts of modesty and dressing. As this trend matures in 2026, it could influence designers and celebrities to explore more inventive ways of wearing lingerie and sheer elements in formal and red carpet settings. The cultural impact of this trend also opens dialogue about fashion as a form of personal and artistic expression amid evolving social norms.