Julia Fox’s daring corset look sparks debate

Julia Fox turned heads at Coachella 2025 with a look that quickly became one of the most polarising fashion moments of the festival. The actress and model arrived in a structured, metallic corset that left little to the imagination — notably worn without pants. The ensemble, which featured exaggerated boning and a high-cut silhouette, was paired with thigh-high boots and minimal accessories, allowing the boldness of the outfit to take centre stage.

While some praised Fox for her fearless approach to festival fashion, others questioned whether the look was more shock value than style. Social media lit up with commentary, with many users debating whether the outfit was a statement of empowerment or simply a misstep in taste. Fashion critics were similarly divided, with some applauding the avant-garde risk-taking, while others labelled it as impractical and out of touch with the festival’s laid-back vibe.

“Julia Fox is always pushing boundaries, but this look felt more like performance art than wearable fashion,” one fashion blogger noted on Instagram.

In the context of Coachella’s traditionally boho-chic aesthetic, Fox’s futuristic and revealing outfit stood out — and not necessarily in a good way. The corset’s rigid structure and lack of accompanying garments left many festival-goers and fashion watchers scratching their heads, wondering if the look was more suited to a runway than the desert fields of Indio.

Despite the mixed reactions, Fox’s appearance undeniably sparked conversation, cementing her status as one of the most talked-about celebrities at this year’s event. Whether it was a fashion faux pas or a bold statement, her look ensured she remained firmly in the spotlight throughout the weekend.

Ciara’s denim tutu leaves fans puzzled

Ciara’s appearance at Coachella 2025 had fans doing double takes — and not necessarily for the right reasons. The singer and performer stepped onto the festival grounds in a voluminous denim tutu that left many scratching their heads. The outfit, which combined layers of stiff, frayed denim with a structured bodice and oversized belt, seemed to blur the lines between avant-garde and costume. Paired with knee-high cowboy boots and a cropped denim jacket, the look was anything but subtle.

Social media was quick to react, with many users expressing confusion over the ensemble’s purpose and aesthetic. Some likened the tutu to a DIY project gone rogue, while others questioned whether the outfit was meant to be ironic. The denim-on-denim concept — often referred to as the “Canadian tuxedo” — has seen a resurgence in recent years, but Ciara’s interpretation took the trend to an extreme that many felt missed the mark.

“I love Ciara, but this denim tutu looks like something my Year 9 textiles class would’ve made for a school play,” one Aussie fan tweeted, summing up the general sentiment online.

Fashion commentators were similarly divided. While some applauded Ciara for taking a risk and embracing a playful, theatrical vibe, others criticised the outfit for lacking cohesion and polish. The exaggerated silhouette of the tutu clashed with the rugged texture of the denim, creating a jarring visual that didn’t quite align with the relaxed, sun-soaked energy of Coachella.

Adding to the confusion was the practicality of the outfit. The stiff denim layers appeared cumbersome and uncomfortable, especially under the desert sun. Festival-goers noted that Ciara seemed to struggle with mobility at times, further fuelling the debate over whether fashion should ever come at the cost of function — particularly at an event known for dancing, walking, and long hours outdoors.

Despite the backlash, Ciara’s look certainly made an impression. Whether viewed as a bold fashion experiment or a sartorial misfire, her denim tutu became one of the most talked-about outfits of the weekend, proving once again that at Coachella, even a fashion flop can steal the spotlight.

Other celebrity missteps on the Coachella stage

While Julia Fox and Ciara grabbed headlines for their bold — and baffling — fashion choices, they weren’t the only celebrities to raise eyebrows at Coachella 2025. A number of other high-profile attendees also found themselves on the receiving end of fashion critiques, with outfits that ranged from overly experimental to downright confusing.

Doja Cat, known for her eccentric style, arrived in a full-body mesh catsuit adorned with oversized feathers and metallic fringe. While the look was certainly theatrical, many questioned its practicality and coherence. The ensemble appeared more suited to a high-concept music video than a dusty desert festival, and fans were quick to point out that the heavy embellishments seemed to weigh her down during her performance.

“Doja Cat looked like a disco bird caught in a wind tunnel,” one festival-goer joked on TikTok, capturing the general confusion surrounding the outfit.

Meanwhile, Jared Leto continued his tradition of pushing fashion boundaries — this time with a neon green poncho made entirely of recycled plastic bags. While the eco-conscious message was appreciated by some, the execution left much to be desired. The crinkly texture and shapeless silhouette drew comparisons to a bin liner, and many questioned whether the look was more gimmick than genuine style.

Another unexpected misstep came from influencer and reality TV star Addison Rae, who opted for a sheer lace bodysuit layered under a floor-length fur-trimmed coat — a puzzling choice given the scorching temperatures. The outfit, which seemed more appropriate for a winter gala than a sun-drenched music festival, left fans wondering if comfort had been completely sacrificed for the sake of drama.

• Doja Cat’s feathered mesh catsuit: visually striking but impractical for the heat and movement of the festival.
• Jared Leto’s plastic poncho: eco-friendly in theory, but criticised for its unflattering and chaotic design.
• Addison Rae’s fur-trimmed coat: a confusing choice that clashed with the desert climate and festival vibe.

These fashion choices, while certainly memorable, sparked a broader conversation about the balance between creativity and context. At a festival like Coachella — where comfort, climate, and culture all play a role — even the most daring looks can fall flat if they ignore the environment they’re meant to shine in.

Celebrity fashion missteps

Julia Fox once again proved she’s unafraid to push boundaries, but her Coachella 2025 look left even the most avant-garde fashionistas scratching their heads. The actress and model stepped out in a structured black corset — sans pants — paired with thigh-high leather boots and a sheer mesh shrug. While Fox is no stranger to daring silhouettes, the ensemble felt more costume than couture, lacking the cohesion and polish expected at a high-profile festival like Coachella.

Ciara’s denim-on-denim moment also drew criticism, with many questioning the practicality and aesthetic of her oversized denim tutu skirt layered over distressed jeans. The look, which she styled with a cropped denim jacket and knee-high boots, was intended to be playful but ended up feeling over-styled and unnecessarily bulky for the desert heat. The proportions overwhelmed her frame and distracted from what could have been a strong streetwear-inspired statement.

Meanwhile, singer Tinashe’s metallic bodysuit with exaggerated shoulder pads and cut-outs was more sci-fi than festival chic. The reflective fabric clashed with her accessories — including a pair of mirrored sunglasses and a chainmail headpiece — creating a look that felt more like a futuristic costume party than a music and arts celebration.

Even seasoned style icon Paris Hilton missed the mark this year. Her pastel butterfly-themed ensemble, complete with iridescent wings and glittery thigh-highs, leaned too heavily into fantasy cosplay. While Coachella is known for whimsical fashion, Hilton’s look lacked the modern edge and styling finesse that typically defines her red carpet appearances.

These celebrity missteps serve as a reminder that even the most fashion-forward names can falter when balancing creativity with wearability. At a festival where personal style reigns supreme, the line between bold and baffling is razor-thin.

Outfits that sparked confusion

Among the most puzzling ensembles at Coachella 2025 was Doja Cat’s layered latex-meets-loungewear look, which left many festival-goers and fashion insiders alike wondering about the intended message. She paired a high-shine, skin-tight latex bodysuit with an oversized terry cloth robe and fuzzy slippers — a combination that felt more like a late-night hotel run than a festival-ready outfit. The juxtaposition of textures was intriguing, but the overall effect lacked cohesion, making it difficult to decipher whether it was high-concept or simply haphazard.

Another head-scratcher came from influencer and model Alix Earle, who opted for a sheer plastic trench coat worn over a neon bikini and knee-high rain boots — despite the dry desert climate. The look, while certainly attention-grabbing, raised eyebrows for its impracticality and lack of seasonal relevance. The plastic outerwear trapped heat and reflected sunlight, making it more of a sauna suit than a style statement. It was a bold attempt at futuristic fashion, but ultimately felt out of sync with the festival’s laid-back, bohemian roots.

Then there was Willow Smith, who took a more conceptual route with a deconstructed patchwork jumpsuit featuring asymmetrical hems, exposed seams, and mismatched sleeves. While the craftsmanship was evident, the silhouette was difficult to follow and the colour palette — a mix of muted browns, greys, and acid green — clashed rather than complemented. The look sparked debate among stylists, with some praising its artistic merit and others questioning its wearability and visual appeal.

Perhaps the most confusing of all was a look worn by singer Grimes, who arrived in what appeared to be a 3D-printed bodysuit with built-in LED panels that flashed cryptic symbols throughout the day. While undeniably innovative, the tech-heavy outfit overshadowed any sense of fashion narrative. The silhouette was stiff, the lighting distracting, and the overall effect more tech demo than trendsetting. It was a reminder that while innovation is welcome, it must still serve the wearer and the setting.

These outfits, while ambitious, highlight the fine line between experimental and excessive. In a space like Coachella, where self-expression is celebrated, clarity of vision and thoughtful styling remain key to making a lasting — and stylish — impression.