Emma Watson Vanity Fair 2023

The actor has been forced to defend her skimpy outfits for a Vanity Fair photoshoot. She’s not the first underdressed superstar to cause a stir via the pages of the magazine

I n the latest instalment of the ongoing series, “Is this feminist or is it more of the same old nonsense?” the actor – and feminist – Emma Watson is being forced to defend going nearly topless for a shoot for Vanity Fair magazine. “Feminism is about giving women choice, ” she said. “Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. It’s about freedom, it’s about liberation, it’s about equality. I really don’t know what my tits have to do with it.”

Emma

I like to remember, as the writer Andi Zeisler memorably put it: “Not everything a feminist does is a feminist act.” So Watson can, and should, do whatever she wants without living in fear of how she will be judged because, goodness knows, women are judged enough.

Emma Watson Goes Dark In Louboutins At Elton John's Oscars Party 2023

The error here, though, is to describe as feminist a nearly topless shoot for a magazine that often likes its women underdressed.

In 1995 the magazine launched its first Hollywood issue, marking the start of an annual tradition, featuring the hottest stars of the year. In what must be one of the most bizarre shoots ever, actors including Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman and Julianne Moore all appear to have turned up in their nighties or just their underwear. Sandra Bullock has forgotten her shoes. Only Gwyneth Paltrow is dressed.

Demi Moore went naked and pregnant in 1991; Caitlin Jenner revealed herself to the world in a skimpy bustier in 2015. Then there was the infamous photograph in which a 15-year-old Miley Cyrus was suggestively shot, apparently clothed in nothing but a sheet. A spokesperson for the Disney Channel, home of the Hannah Montana show in which the Cyrus was a star, said she had been “deliberately manipulated”. Cyrus said she was “so embarrassed”.

Emma Watson Says Vanity Fair Shoot Doesn't Betray Feminism

Witness the shoot with fully clothed fashion designer Tom Ford, hanging out with naked Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson. Poor Johansson has taken on a blue pallor, possibly the first stages of hypothermia. Imagine a world where, one day, the gender pay gap will be cut and women will finally be able to afford clothes all year round.Emma Watson returned to the Oscars event circuit for the first time in five years last night, and the actress had not just one but three dresses for the evening. After being photographed at Elton John's Oscars watch party in a sheer black dress, Watson revealed the princess-like Fendi lace gown she wore to another event with Pasquale Bruni jewelry.

But the lace dress by far was the star garment on Watson's Instagram Stories. And for good reason; it's a work of art:

Let

Here's the look she wore at Elton John's party. One night, three looks. One of the only stars to have more outfit changes was Rihanna, who had a fourth outfit for Beyoncé's Oscars after-party.

Emma Watson Arriving At The Burberry And Vanity Fair Portraits Party, The National Portrait Gallery, London Stock Photo

Watson has kept a remarkably low profile, with the Oscars being her most public outing in a long time. Watson did speak candidly to

“I was like, ‘Why does everyone make such a big fuss about turning 30?” she said of when she was in her late 20s. “This is not a big deal…’ Cut to 29, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I feel so stressed and anxious. And I realize it’s because there is suddenly this bloody influx of subliminal messaging around. If you have not built a home, if you do not have a husband, if you do not have a baby, and you are turning 30, and you’re not in some incredibly secure, stable place in your career, or you’re still figuring things out… there’s just this incredible amount of anxiety.”

Emma

She added then that while she was dating, albeit not anyone seriously, she was happy being unmarried. “I never believed the whole ‘I’m happy single’ spiel, ” she said. “I was like, ‘This is totally spiel.’ It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered.”

Photo: Emma Watson Attends The Vanity Fair Oscar Party In Beverly Hills

Watson didn't pose with any date during her Oscar outings last night. She was last rumored to be dating Brandon Green, the son of fashion tycoon Sir Philip Green, in August.

Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at , where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at

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When she's not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.

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