Last month, social media influencer Ellie Gonsalves sparked controversy by wearing a “naked” dress at her wedding. The 33-year-old Australian model married Ross Scutts in a lavish ceremony on the Gold Coast, featuring three different dresses. While her first two outfits received praise, the third dress drew heavy criticism online for being deemed inappropriate.
Images of the risqué dress quickly circulated online, with many commenters labeling it as too revealing for a wedding. In response to the backlash, Gonsalves defended herself on Sunday, condemning the restrictive expectations imposed on women, particularly brides, regarding their attire.
In an article for 9Honey, Gonsalves expressed her disappointment over the negative reactions, writing, “In an era where women are encouraged to exercise agency over their bodies, it is disheartening to witness the barrage of hate and derogatory comments I received for what some have described as my ‘daring’ dress.” She argued that the criticism underscores society’s lack of support for women’s bodily autonomy.
“Every individual, regardless of gender, should possess the autonomy to decide what they wear, how they present themselves, and what they share with the world,” she wrote. “By denying women this autonomy, we perpetuate a harmful culture of control that infringes upon their fundamental rights.”
Gonsalves, a longtime model in the fashion industry, noted that her concept of appropriate wedding attire differs from that of others, such as a woman from a conservative Christian community in the Midwest.
Her controversial dress, a corset-style gown by OGLIA-LORO Couture, featured a see-through design and a high thigh split, paired with silver strap heels. Some social media followers likened it to lingerie and criticized its revealing nature.
One conservative commenter remarked, “What you’re sharing with everyone is supposed to be only for your husband.” Another follower added, “Soon, people will be going to weddings in their bikinis. More skin on show that way, right?” A third criticized, “I’m sorry, but this is not a good dress for the wedding. Dress modestly!”
In response to the criticism, Gonsalves took to Instagram, stating, “What’s that phrase? If you dish it out, be prepared to take it. I can’t believe people are getting so offended by a wedding dress.”
