Sheer Dresses Were Trending on the Breakthrough Prize 2025 Red Carpet: Kate Hudson in Elie Saab Couture, Christina Aguilera in Dolce & Gabbana and More

Julia Teti

Mon, April 7, 2025 at 12:34 PM UTC

3 min read

A-list guests and high-profile figures attended the 11th Breakthrough Prize ceremony in Santa Monica, Calif., showcasing a range of formal and runway-inspired wardrobe choices.
Sheer looks made a resurgence at the event, with celebrities like Kate Hudson, Paris Hilton, Salma Hayek, and Christina Aguilera opting for sheer-leaning styles on the red carpet.
The 11th annual Breakthrough Prize ceremony, known as the "Oscars of Science," honored leading scientists and mathematicians with over $15 million in prizes awarded annually in the fields of Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics, attracting celebrity guests like Drew Barrymore, Jessica Chastain, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

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A bevy of A-list guests and high-profile figures attended the 11th Breakthrough Prize ceremony on Saturday in Santa Monica, Calif. Wardrobe for the event ranged from formal pieces to runway inspiration and more. The sheer trend, however, saw yet another resurgence at the event.

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Sheer looks are a ubiquitous part of many a modern red carpet event. At the 2025 Breakthrough Prize, Kate Hudson, Paris Hilton and more opted for sheer-leaning looks. Here, WWD breaks down those styles and more from the Breakthrough Prize red carpet .

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson turned to the runway for inspiration for her sheer look. The "Running Point" star opted for an off-the-shoulder dress courtesy of Elie Saab Couture for her attire to the Breakthrough Prize 2025 ceremony. The dress featured voluminous sleeves and a loose bodice with a flowing skirt. A bevy of shimmering elements were added throughout the dress for a sparkling finish. Hudson accessorized her look with Effy jewelry. Her attire was curated by stylist Marc Eram.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton also opted for sheer styling with a unique spin. The entrepreneur wore a sleek black dress with allover crystal embellishments and dramatic black sheer sleeves that flowed to the ground.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek added some sheer styling to her look. The Oscar-nominated "Frida" actress wore a black maxidress with a flowing skirt and loose bodice. The sleeves of Hayek's dress were completely sheer.

Christina Aguilera

Christian Aguilera wears Dolce & Gabbana at the 11th Breakthrough Prize. — Christina Aguilera attends the 11th Breakthrough Prize on April 5 in Santa Monica.

Christina Aguilera turned to Dolce & Gabbana for her look at the 2025 Breakthrough Prize event . The singer wore an edgy white gown with a flowing skirt and corsetry detailing on the bodice. The gown also featured a sheer white cape. Aguilera's look was curated by stylist Chris Horan.

The 11th annual Breakthrough Prize ceremony, often called the "Oscars of Science," celebrated the groundbreaking achievements of the world's leading scientists and mathematicians, with more than $15 million in prizes awarded annually.

Each prize, valued at $3 million, is presented in the fields of Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics. The list of celebrity guests included Drew Barrymore, Jessica Chastain, Lily Collins, Lizzo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zoe Saldaña and more.