Nicole Kidman’s Backless Little Black Dress Brought New Drama to the Wardrobe Staple
Not to mention the gown's hip-level leg slit and open sides!


The best little black dresses prove that the stereotypically simple things in our closets are far from boring. Since its inception, the LBD has taken many forms. There's, of course, Princess Diana's iconic revenge dress. More recently, Zendaya in a surrealist dark Schiaparelli gown, Rihanna's RiRi spin on the staple, and now Nicole Kidman in a backless (!), side-less (!!) Versace dress. The actress wore the sultry piece for the premiere of her new show Expats at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Kidman’s skin-baring ensemble further solidifies her as the fashion risk-taker we love her for. (Remember her viral Miu Miu mini skirt moment?)
Kidman’s Versace number looked hand-crafted to fit her—the tailoring on the gown was that good. For starters, it had a sleek neckline with a cowl-like illusion via structured draping. Attached to the bodice on each arm was one thin strap piecing the dress together. The dress was completely open on the back and sides (the bottom of the back brushed her tailbone!). In addition to its all-over openness, the dress had a high-leg slit that showed off her matching black pumps. Its final unique touch was a pop of kelly green fabric found on the inside paneling of her dress.
Kidman, working with stylist Jason Bolden, opted for little accessories to give the dress its well-deserved moment. She added drop earrings, a silver watch, and other small dainty additions to up the outfit’s shine. For glam, Kidman strategically wore her hair to the side to show off the plunging back of the dress. She kept the makeup easy with a bronzy eye and cheek.
We know Kidman is not new to a risque fashion moment, but we can’t help but be slightly concerned that she was cold! (Ahem, Kendall Jenner in a minidress in the snow?) Did the carpet have heaters? New York got snow in the past week! Someone, get these celebrities a coat!
Expats is set to release later this month on Prime Video. The series, created by Lulu Wang, follows Kidman’s character and her close group of friends living in Hong Kong. Oh, and we can’t forget to remind you of the highly anticipated return of Big Little Lies, which Kidman has confirmed is in the works for a third season!
We're adding Kidman’s risque look to the latest list of her best-ever style moments. The actress continues to embrace her preference for more daring, skin-baring pieces even when it comes to the LBD—and we're thrilled about it
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Kaitlin is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer specializing in fashion, beauty, and culture. Her work is also featured in Editorialist, The Everygirl, Bustle, The Zoe Report, and i-D Magazine.
-
Princess Diana Nearly Caused Two Hollywood Heartthrobs to Get in a "Fist-Fight" Over Her
"Straight men seemed to completely lose their minds in her presence."
-
Florence Pugh Triples Her Fashion Output in Multiple 'Thunderbolts*'-Inspired Looks
She's taking the subtle approach to method dressing.
-
Annoyed By Your Overly Visible Nose Hairs? Here's What the Pros Do
Putting the best removal methods to the test.
-
Florence Pugh's 'Thunderbolts*' Press Tour Looks Are the Most Subtle Take on Method Dressing I've Seen
She's taking the subtle approach to method dressing.
-
Doja Cat Gives a Beloved Celine Bag the Butter Yellow Trend Treatment
Her style is taking a turn toward the demure.
-
Dua Lipa Tiptoes Into the Naked Shoe Trend With Rihanna's Favorite Gucci Mesh Slingback Pumps
And she chose one of Rihanna's favorite pairs to do it.
-
Blake Lively Revives the Peplum Trend With $2,895 Louboutin Heels and a Sequin Chanel Bag
She chose an all-leather look to revive the style.
-
Anne Hathaway Jazzes Up a Canadian Tuxedo With Adidas Sambas and a Metallic J.Crew Barn Jacket
Another thing we have in common? Her Adidas Sambas.
-
Dua Lipa Copy and Pastes a Schiaparelli Runway Naked Dress Look Onto the Red Carpet
She's a fashion girl, through and through.
-
Beyoncé Pledges Allegiance to Two Very Specific Outfits for Opening Night of Her 'Cowboy Carter' Tour
She changed them up slightly from song to song.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles a $7,600 Wicker Bag With $90 Vintage Reebok Sneakers
As only she can.