Kristen Stewart’s Bold Move: Reviving a Fashion Classic
Fashion is cyclical, but some trends don’t just come back—they get reinvented. At the 2025 IndieWire Honors, Kristen Stewart reminded the world of Calvin Klein’s enduring legacy by breathing new life into the brand’s iconic elastic waistband. It wasn’t just a throwback; it was a statement, a reimagining of what has long been considered a staple of cool, casual style.
A decade ago, the #mycalvins campaign made the Calvin Klein waistband synonymous with youthful rebellion and effortless chic. The subtle flash of a logo beneath jeans or peeking out from under streetwear became a defining image of mid-2010s fashion. Fast forward to spring 2026: under creative director Veronica Leoni, Calvin Klein’s runway saw the waistband woven into new contexts—think sheer long johns, visor sunglasses, and even dresses. The question on everyone’s mind: Who would take up the mantle of this redefined classic?
IndieWire Honors: Kristen Stewart Takes Center Stage
The answer arrived on the red carpet. Kristen Stewart, known for her fearless approach to both acting and style, stepped out in sheer white Calvin Klein leggings layered over matching briefs, creating a double CK waistband effect. Her look, curated by stylist Tara Swennen, swapped the runway’s drapey top for a sheer tank, all grounded by an oversized black blazer. Add black pointy-toe pumps, sepia-tinted glasses, and twin diamond tennis necklaces, and Stewart’s ensemble felt both edgy and intentional—a masterclass in how to reference the past without repeating it.
Her choice wasn’t accidental. Stewart has long been a pioneer of the underwear-as-outerwear trend, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered appropriate or stylish. During her Love Lies Bleeding film tour, she made headlines in an ultra-high-cut bodysuit and, later, in cable-knit underwear worn casually in New York. This isn’t just fashion for fashion’s sake. It’s about challenging norms, rethinking necessity, and turning everyday garments into focal points for creative expression.
The Underwear-as-Outerwear Movement: Stewart at the Forefront
Kristen Stewart’s recent Calvin Klein look is more than a red carpet moment—it’s a testament to the evolving conversation around underwear in fashion. The idea that underwear should remain hidden has been steadily eroding, replaced by a philosophy that embraces visibility, layering, and statement-making. Stewart’s double waistband is emblematic of this shift, merging comfort and boldness in a way that feels distinctly her own.
For Stewart, underwear isn’t just a necessity—it’s an opportunity. Every time she steps out in an unconventional ensemble, she’s reminding audiences and fellow designers that the boundaries of style are meant to be tested. The juxtaposition of sheer fabrics, structured blazers, and playful accessories signals a willingness to experiment, to ask: What if the most essential pieces in our wardrobe were also the most expressive?
Calvin Klein’s Evolution: From Heritage to Innovation
Veronica Leoni’s direction at Calvin Klein is clearly aimed at redefining the brand’s audience. By weaving the iconic waistband into unexpected garments, Leoni is asking consumers to reconsider the value of tradition. Stewart’s embrace of these designs answers the call, proving that a brand’s legacy can be both honored and disrupted.
Fashion critics have noted that Stewart’s approach aligns with a broader movement toward authenticity and individualism. No longer content with simply following trends, today’s style leaders—Stewart chief among them—are crafting personal narratives through clothing. The Calvin Klein waistband, once a symbol of mass appeal, becomes a canvas for storytelling, rebellion, and self-definition.
What’s striking is how Stewart’s look at IndieWire Honors manages to be both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The double waistband nods to a past era, but the sheer layering and bold styling speak to a future where fashion is fluid, inclusive, and endlessly inventive.
Celebrity Influence and the Power of Personal Style
It’s no coincidence that Stewart’s fashion choices generate conversation. Celebrities wield enormous influence over trends, and Stewart’s willingness to take risks encourages others to do the same. Her partnership with stylist Tara Swennen is a collaboration that consistently delivers unexpected yet cohesive results, reinforcing the idea that personal style is about more than clothes—it’s about identity.
Stewart’s Calvin Klein moment at IndieWire Honors has already sparked discussion on social media and in industry circles. Fans and critics alike are dissecting the look, examining how it fits into the larger narrative of underwear-as-outerwear, and what it says about the future of the brand.
As Vogue and SSBCrack News have reported, Stewart’s influence extends beyond red carpet appearances. Her everyday style choices—whether in bodysuits or cable-knit briefs—have helped normalize the idea that underwear can be a legitimate fashion statement, not just a private necessity.
Fashion’s Next Frontier: Where Creativity Meets Necessity
Ultimately, Kristen Stewart’s embrace of Calvin Klein’s iconic waistband is a reminder that fashion thrives on reinvention. What was once considered provocative or unconventional can, in the right hands, become mainstream. Stewart’s look is both a tribute to Calvin Klein’s heritage and a bold step into the future of style—one where necessity and creativity walk hand in hand.
As trends evolve and boundaries blur, Stewart’s confidence sets a new standard. She proves that the most essential garments are only as limiting as our imagination allows. The conversation around underwear as outerwear isn’t finished—it’s just getting started.
Stewart’s red carpet moment at IndieWire Honors exemplifies how iconic elements in fashion can be reinterpreted for new audiences. Her boldness and creativity ensure that the dialogue around self-expression, comfort, and style remains vibrant. As Calvin Klein continues to evolve, Stewart stands as both muse and trailblazer, showing that legacy and innovation can coexist in the world of fashion.