Ciara Wears a Cutout Illusion Minidress to Celebrate Her Sports Illustrated Cover

High slits and cutouts might have become Ciara’s signature, but her latest outfit takes her sultry style to new territory. Celebrating the launch of Sports Illustrated’s 2022 Swimsuit Issue in NYC on May 19, the singer was indeed dressed like a cover star, for which she joins fellow models Kim Kardashian, Yumi Nu, and Maye Musk on the front of the annually released magazine. Ciara stepped out on the red carpet in an all-black outfit by LaQuan Smith that featured a bodysuit with numerous cutouts, a low-rise miniskirt layered on top to create the illusion of a dress, and heeled sandals.

Ciara, who wore a leopard-print swimsuit from LaQuan Smith and a cowboy hat on the magazine cover, chose to tap the designer once again for her party look. Decorated with cutouts along the chest, stomach, and hips, her turtleneck bodysuit included a built-in underwire bra and high leg cut, pairing seamlessly with the ruched skirt that hit her at midthigh. The pieces are from Smith’s fall/winter 2022 collection and sourced with the help of Ciara’s longtime stylist, Kollin Carter. The 36-year-old singer-songwriter accessorised with stacked diamond bracelets, teardrop stud earrings, and her diamond engagement ring. A rhinestone-encrusted french manicure and an effortless wet-hair updo completed the ensemble.

Known for his unexpected cutouts and fitted silhouettes, Smith is behind many of Ciara’s boldest looks, including the brown rhinestone gown she wore to present Smith with an ACE Award in November. Recently, the singer has worn plenty of distinctive looks, like her metallic, zebra-print gown at the Gilded Glamour-themed Met Gala and her asymmetric slitted dress while guest-hosting “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

Ahead, take in Ciara’s outfit from all angles, and see how the look was first debuted on the runway.