Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have unveiled “Sunset Blvd,” a sultry new single and music video that was inspired by their first date, all while showcasing a compelling fashion narrative.
Produced by Blanco, 37, and shot by Petra Collins, it’s styled like an early-’80s fever dream, with a hazy lens over the camera and glowing neon street lights. The video opens with Gomez, 32, in a black satin robe and a slinky silk slip (both by Victoria’s Secret) with sheer Wolford thigh-highs and black lacquered Christian Louboutin stilettos. The Rare Beauty founder’s visage is framed by voluminous teased curls and a bold crimson lip.
Styled by Erin Walsh, the pop star seamlessly transitioned between retro pin-up imagery and a contemporary interpretation of the underwear-as-outerwear trend. One look, in particular, sees Gomez in a silk white Comme Si shirt, worn oversized as if borrowed from Blanco’s closet, and also left deliberately unbuttoned to reveal a vibrant red Fleur du Mal balconette bra underneath.
Blanco also makes an appearance in the video, dressed in a sharp white suit, which adds a contrasting element to Gomez’s sensual all-black wardrobe. One visual of Gomez as a giant, smiling and giggling at a pint-sized Blanco, references this famous scene in Francis Ford Coppola’s cult-classic 1982 film, One from the Heart, and nods to her larger-than-life celebrity.
The fact that it’s inspired by their date at Jitlada Thai Restaurant adds a layer of personal significance to the track. Ahead of the song’s release, Gomez shared an Instagram post of the couple’s “first official photo,” further blurring the lines between their private and public lives.
The chorus, with its vivid imagery of “holding you naked, middle of Sunset Boulevard,” and “everyone’s watching,” captures the essence of a love affair that plays out on the world stage.
But this wasn’t merely a playful nod to a celebrity romance and risque lingerie; it was also a cosign of a burgeoning trend that dominated the Paris Fashion Week Spring 2025 runways.
While the video’s early ’80s aesthetic may have initially suggested a purely boudoir-inspired approach to costume, a closer examination also reveals a strategic deployment of scantily clad undergarments that resonated far beyond the confines of the set.
At Givenchy, delicate triangle bras were artfully revealed beneath diaphanous mesh dresses, creating a compelling dialogue between vulnerability and strength. Miu Miu’s layered slips, with their subtle intimations of lace, offered a more nuanced interpretation of the trend, while Valentino, in a bold and unconventional gesture, affixed intricately crafted satin bralettes atop sheer shirts, challenging conventional notions of decorum while celebrating female sexuality.
Givenchy’s creative director, Sarah Burton, echoed this sentiment at her show last week, stating: “I want to address everything about modern women. Strength, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, feeling powerful or very sexy. All of it.” This resonated throughout the collections, transforming an exposed bra from a suggestive detail into a symbol of self-assuredness.
While undeniably alluring and mirroring the song’s intimate themes, Gomez’s own sartorial interpretation exuded confidence. It was a clear indication that lingerie is no longer confined to the realm of the male gaze but rather has evolved into a powerful symbol of female agency.
Indeed, “Sunset Blvd” is more than just a song; it’s a fashion-forward exploration of a modern romance, where intimacy and theatrics intertwine. Gomez and Blanco are not just sharing their music; they are sharing their story, with every carefully chosen outfit and every breathy lyric.
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