Zendaya makes a case for cut-outs in her latest looks during the 'Dune Part Two' press tour

The recently released Dune: Part Two has been hailed a cinematic masterpiece, and with good reason. The film’s plot is undeniably intriguing with power-packed performances from the leads Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet. But apart from the former’s performance, it was her theatrical looks during the press tour that really caught our attention. After wearing a literal suit of armour, courtesy of vintage Mugler, and a Balmain dress resembling sand dunes, the star showed up for the film’s New York City premiere in a dramatic ensemble from Stéphane Rolland’s Spring-Summer 2024 couture collection. It was a white long-sleeved gown with a cutout that started from her torso and pronged to both sides of her thighs. Her bold outfit is proof that cut-outs still riding the wave of popularity in the fashion world.

Closer to home, Janhvi Kapoor, too, channelled the trend, not once but twice. She wore a green Marc Bouwer gown last year, which featured bold cut-outs along the shoulders, torso, and waist. More recently, the actor wore a stunning silver cut-out bodycon dress by Gaurav Gupta, for Rihanna’s performance at the Ambani-Merchant pre-wedding celebration.

A common element in Y2K fashion, cut-out dresses, tops, and bodysuits have been making their way back into the style bandwagon over the past few years, and it looks like it’s still going strong. Similar to the naked or sheer dress trend, cut-out silhouettes feature strategically placed cut-outs (hence the term) that elevate a plain outfit. How daring the outfit is depends on the range and placement of cut-outs, it can just be a simple snip near the decolletage or a bolder design that takes away more than it leaves behind. 

The cut-out trend isn’t limited to celebrity red carpets; it’s been seen on runways and even on-screen as well. While Gucci and Mugler were among the first to embrace the trend on the ramp, Euphoria played a huge part in bringing cut-outs back into fashion through retro and sensual fits as seen on Alexa Demie in the series. 

If you’re looking to spice up your outfit, then cut-outs are a great way to go. And remember, you don’t have to go all out; choose pieces that align with your comfort. You can start small like Shanaya Kapoor’s white floral cut-out dress, which she wore to the Ambani-Merchant pre-wedding safari-themed event. And if you’re feeling confident and want to go all out, Kendell Jenner’s sheer summer gown with a diamond cut-out at the torso, or Hailey Bieber’s open-back dress are perfect examples.

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