Bella's team is framing this as a chic, nostalgic homage to early 2000s pop culture, celebrating the enduring influence of Britney Spears on high fashion.
Insiders are buzzing about the sheer audacity of the look, noting that Bella didn't just reference the vibe—she practically recreated the risky, barely-there energy of Britney's 2001 VMAs entrance.
Bella wore a sheer black lace minidress with a string thong and underwire bra to the Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood on October 19, 2026, mirroring the silhouette of Britney's Dolce & Gabbana look from the 2001 VMAs.
Bella Hadid didn't just walk the runway; she owned the after-party with a look that had everyone talking about Britney Spears all over again.
If you thought the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 was just about the wings, think again. The real drama happened after the lights went down and the models hit the town. On the night of October 19, 2026, Bella Hadid decided that leaving her runway look on the catwalk was simply not an option.
Instead, she channeled the spirit of Britney Spears’ most iconic, heart-stopping fashion moment for the after-party at the Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood. This wasn't just a nod to the past; it was a full-on resurrection of early 2000s sheer audacity. The 30-year-old supermodel arrived in a completely see-through black lace minidress that left absolutely nothing to the imagination.
Underneath the delicate fabric, Hadid opted for a barely-there string thong and a simple underwire bra, keeping the lingerie aesthetic alive long after the final walk. The dress featured long sleeves and a mock neck, directly echoing the silhouette of the Dolce & Gabbana gown Britney wore to the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. While Britney covered up with boyshorts and a balconette bra, Bella leaned into her role as a modern bombshell, proving she isn't afraid to show a little skin—or a lot of nerve.
This bold choice came on a massive night for Hadid, who didn’t just attend the event; she opened the show. Earlier that evening, she commanded the runway in a floral winged look before changing into an all-white ensemble featuring oversized pleated wings and a matching swing dress. Her ability to transition from angelic runway presence to sheer nightlife provocateur shows a strategic understanding of celebrity optics.
By invoking Britney, she’s tapping into a nostalgia vein that is currently gold in the fashion world, linking her current status to the era of pop royalty. The night wasn't a solo affair for the Hadid family. Gigi Hadid joined Bella on the runway, alongside industry veterans like Ashley Graham, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Adriana Lima.
Yet, it was Bella’s post-show entrance—blond hair blowing in the wind, sunglasses on, and tiny metallic bag in hand—that stole the headlines. She accessorized the sheer look with black pointed-toe pumps, a choice that grounded the otherwise ethereal outfit. The visual contrast between her high-fashion runway persona and this raw, party-ready vibe has sparked intense discussion on whether this was a tribute or a dare, but one thing is certain: Bella Hadid knows how to keep the receipts out and the cameras flashing.
