Brooks Nader Just Kicked Off Fashion Week in an Unapologetically Sheer Lace Dress

Sports Illustrated model Brooks Nader turned heads in Manhattan wearing a daring sheer black lace midi dress at a CFDA event to launch New York Fashion Week.

11 September 2026 · Reported first by Page Six

Brooks Nader wears a daring sheer black lace dress outside a CFDA New York Fashion Week event in Manhattan.
Illustration created for this story by The Hollywood Wire.

The key facts

  • Brooks Nader attended a CFDA kickoff event in Manhattan for New York Fashion Week.
  • The Sports Illustrated model wore a daring sheer black lace midi dress.
  • Page Six reported on Nader's standout arrival at the star-studded gathering.
  • Nader styled the see-through look with dark undergarments and sleek, minimal accessories.
  • The appearance marked one of the first major red carpet fashion moments of the week.

New York Fashion Week is officially here. That means packed schedules, cab lines around the block, and celebrities pulling out the most dramatic pieces in their closets.

Brooks Nader didn't waste any time setting the bar.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit star stepped out in Manhattan for a CFDA event to kick off the week's festivities, and she made sure all eyes were on her. As Page Six reported, Nader arrived wearing a striking sheer black lace midi dress that left very little to the imagination.

It was bold. It was sultry. And let's be honest, it was the exact kind of high-glam entrance that gets everyone talking on night one.

What Brooks Nader wore to kick off fashion week

Nader's outfit was all about confident minimalism. The dress featured delicate, see-through black lace layered over simple dark underpinnings, giving the classic silhouette an edgy spin.

She kept the styling clean so the lace could do the heavy lifting. A pair of sharp black heels, understated jewellery, and an effortless beauty look pulled the whole ensemble together. Her hair was styled sleek and glossy, paired with glowing skin and a neutral lip.

She looked relaxed and completely in command of the room. When you wear something that daring, you have to own it from the second you step out of the car. Nader clearly understood the assignment.

Inside the Manhattan CFDA gathering

The Council of Fashion Designers of America always draws a heavy-hitting guest list for its kickoff gatherings. You get a mix of runway veterans, fresh design talent, editors, and Hollywood names all packed into the same room to toast the start of runway season.

Manhattan party venues have a specific energy during early September. The air is warm, the cameras are flashing non-stop on the pavement outside, and everyone is comparing show schedules.

Nader worked the room with total ease. She spent the night mingling with industry figures and fellow models, cementing her place on the fashion week party circuit.

Why the sheer trend is still dominating the red carpet

If you thought the naked dress trend was fading out, think again. Designers and stars have spent the last few seasons proving that transparent fabrics, mesh, and delicate lace are here to stay.

Here is the thing about sheer dressing: it can easily go wrong if the tailoring is off. But when it works, it creates an unforgettable moment. Nader's lace midi struck the right balance between romantic texture and modern edge.

It also highlights how fashion week style has evolved. Guests are no longer sticking to safe cocktail dresses. They treat party arrivals like personal runway moments, and Nader's look was a masterclass in giving photographers exactly what they want.

From Sports Illustrated to front row regular

Nader has been a staple in the swimwear world for years, but she has spent recent seasons expanding her footprint across mainstream fashion and entertainment.

Ever since she won the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit open casting call back in 2019, she has understood how to hold an audience's attention. That confidence translates directly to fashion week events, where commanding a red carpet is half the job.

She knows her angles. She knows what works on camera. And she knows how to pick an outfit that cuts through the noise of a packed calendar.

What to expect from Nader as fashion week rolls on

This CFDA party was just the opening salvo. With runway shows, after-parties, and brand dinners scheduled across Manhattan all week long, Nader will likely pop up on several more front rows before the weekend is over.

Fashion week moves fast, and looks come and go in a matter of hours. But starting the week in a show-stopping sheer lace number guarantees that people will be watching closely to see what she wears next.

If this first outing is any indication, she is not planning to play it safe.

How it unfolded

  1. Thursday night

    Brooks Nader attends a CFDA party in Manhattan wearing a sheer lace dress.

  2. September 2026

    New York Fashion Week officially gets underway across the city.

Why this matters

Brooks Nader continues to cement her presence outside the swimwear world, proving she can dominate high-fashion red carpets during New York Fashion Week.

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Your questions answered

What did Brooks Nader wear to the CFDA event?
Brooks Nader wore a daring sheer black lace midi dress styled with simple dark underpinnings, minimal jewellery, and sleek hair.
Where was the CFDA party held?
The CFDA kickoff gathering took place at a venue in Manhattan to celebrate the start of New York Fashion Week.
Who reported on Brooks Nader's sheer dress look?
Page Six reported on Nader's fashion week arrival and detailed her sheer black lace outfit.
How did Brooks Nader rise to fame?
Brooks Nader rose to fame after winning the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit open casting call in 2019 and becoming a regular cover star.
Why was Brooks Nader in New York City?
She was in New York City to attend events, parties, and shows for New York Fashion Week.
What accessories did Brooks Nader wear with the sheer dress?
She paired the sheer lace midi with classic black heels, subtle jewellery, and a glowing beauty look.
Is the sheer dress trend popular at New York Fashion Week?
Yes, transparent fabrics, mesh, and lace remain major fashion week trends among celebrities and designers on the red carpet.