Model and actress Brooks Nader captured widespread attention at the CFDA Fashion Awards on Monday by stepping onto the red carpet in a striking sheer garment. The 29-year-old star turned heads in New York with her bold fashion choice, showcasing a metallic black-and-white outfit ahead of her upcoming acting projects.
Red Carpet Glamour at the CFDA Fashion Awards
Brooks Nader arrived at the event wearing a sheer black-and-white metallic dress complete with a halter neckline and an attached hood. Her black underwear was visible beneath the bold attire, which she accessorized with dark red nail polish, two rings, small hoop earrings, and open-toed black high-heeled shoes. She styled her hair in an updo largely hidden beneath the dress's hood, leaving a single strand to frame her face alongside a natural makeup look featuring nude lipstick and winged eyeliner.
This appearance follows another notable fashion moment in September, when Brooks Nader was photographed in New York wearing a fully sheer black dress featuring short ruffled sleeves, a high neckline, and pointed-toe pumps.
From Baton Rouge to Sports Illustrated Stardom
Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with conservative parents, Brooks Nader faced initial hurdles in pursuing her entertainment career. She told Maxim magazine in September 2025 that her parents were "totally against" the idea of her entering modeling and acting. Despite this, she pursued her passion after attending an open call in Miami.
Key highlights from her career trajectory include:
- Making it into the 2020 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition
- Being named Rookie of the Year in 2020
- Landing the cover of the magazine five years later
Reflecting on her career milestone, she noted, "Then, five years later, I made it onto the cover. I think people really started to take me seriously then. And, yes, I did send a signed copy over to my former agents, too."
Preparing for the Baywatch Reboot
Brooks Nader is currently preparing for the premiere of the upcoming Baywatch reboot, where she stars alongside Shay Mitchell, Livvy Dunne, and Stephen Amell. The original television series aired from 1989 to 1999 and featured iconic stars such as David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson.
Discussing her inspiration during the May 2026 FOX Upfront, she shared, "Pamela Anderson was the muse of all muses, and she's been on my vision board forever. So, we're going to pay homage to Pam and all the muses of ‘Baywatch’ to the best of our ability. Big shoes to fill. Huge."
When asked how her conservative parents reacted to her role in the upcoming show, she explained that they were surprisingly supportive of the swimwear requirement. "We weren't allowed to wear two-piece bikinis growing up," Brooks Nader said. "So they're like, ‘You're following the family rules. You're wearing a one-piece [swimsuit]. So, we're all good.’"
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Brooks Nader wear to the CFDA Fashion Awards?
She wore a sheer black-and-white metallic dress with a halter neckline and an attached hood, paired with open-toed black high-heeled shoes.
Who stars in the Baywatch reboot with Brooks Nader?
She stars alongside Shay Mitchell, Livvy Dunne, and Stephen Amell in the upcoming reboot.
How did Brooks Nader get her start in modeling?
After attending an open call in Miami, she made it into the 2020 issue of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and was named Rookie of the Year.