The fashion world has long been captivated by the allure of the naked dress, a trend that has evolved significantly over the years. In 2026, this fascination has taken a new turn, with celebrities and designers embracing a more artistic approach. The Sculpcore trend, as it has come to be known, transforms the human body into a canvas for sculptural art, blending the boundaries between fashion and fine art.
The concept of the body as an art form is not new. The Met Costume Institute’s spring 2026 exhibition highlighted this very idea, exploring the dressed and undressed body throughout art history. Historically, the debate has centered around whether to clothe or reveal the body. Today, celebrities like Cardi BZendaya and the Kendall and Kylie Jenner are redefining this conversation through Sculpcore.
Zendaya’s Sculptural Masterpiece at The Odyssey Premiere
This week, Zendaya made a stunning appearance in London for the premiere of The Odyssey. She wore a piece from Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli fall/winter 2026-27 collection, which was literally and figuratively sculpted. The chalk-white bodice, crafted from porcelain-effect silicone, mimicked the hyper-realistic front of a museum statue. The corset-style bodice laced up at the back and featured a cascading fringe skirt adorned with white and clear beads that lit up, adding a dynamic element to the design.
Schiaparelli has a history of incorporating body parts into their designs, but this year’s haute couture show fully embraced the Sculpcore aesthetic. Multiple pieces in the collection played with the molded form concept, incorporating lighting elements that made the designs appear as if they were on display in a museum.
The Influence of Historical Art on Modern Fashion
The focus on the body in fashion and art is nothing new. Brands like Jean Paul Gaultier made colorful body-focused clothes popular in 1993. However, the current trend leans into a more muted, statue-like aesthetic, with grays and whites dominating the color palette. This shift is evident in the designs worn by celebrities like Cardi B and Zendaya.
Cardi B attended Rahul Mishra’s fall/winter 2026 couture show in a custom ivory corset dress. The dress featured trompe l’oeil embroidery and draping that made her body appear chiseled from marble. The intricate beadwork at her shoulders and hips heightened the illusion, creating a striking resemblance to a 12th-century sculpture of Mohini at India’s Chennakeshava Temple in Belur. Mishra drew inspiration from this historical piece, blending ancient art with modern fashion.
The Met Gala and the Rise of Sculpcore
The Met Gala has always been a platform for bold fashion statements, and the 2026 event was no exception. Kendall and Kylie Jenner both embraced the Sculpcore trend. Kylie wore a custom Schiaparelli dress with a skin-tight nude corset and pointed faux nipples, while Kendall donned a custom gown from GapStudio designed by Zac Posen. Kendall’s dress was inspired by the Winged Victory of Samothrace sculpture, further emphasizing the sculptural theme.
Additionally, Heidi Klum made a memorable appearance at the Met Gala, cosplaying as a full-on statue. Her look highlighted the growing influence of Sculpcore in high fashion, where the body is transformed into a work of art.
In an era dominated by AI and quick, non-detailed art, the fashion industry‘s embrace of Sculpcore is a refreshing return to the slow movement. This trend champions the meticulous craftsmanship of statues, where each piece is crafted for hours, much like these designs. As trends come and go, the Sculpcore renaissance might just be what the fashion world needs to reconnect with the artistry of the past.
Aiyana Ishmael the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine, focuses on the cultural impact of fashion. Her work explores how fashion shapes the zeitgeist, and she has been recognized as a 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree. Ishmael’s debut romance novella, Passing Game is set to release in March of 2027, further showcasing her versatility as a writer and cultural commentator.
