Nicole Kidman's 'unexpected' Vanity Fair cover has fans 'confused'

Nicole Kidman fans are "confused" over her look on the cover of Vanity Fair's latest issue.

On Thursday, Vanity Fair released new images as well as a video of Kidman wearing a two-piece collegiate-inspired look by Miu Miu as part of their 28th annual Hollywood issue that celebrates actors with standout performances.

"Presenting our 28th annual Hollywood Issue, starring Academy Award nominee Nicole Kidman," the publication captioned the post. "The ‘Being the Ricardos’ star has held the keys to Hollywood for decades, and her latest role as Lucille Ball clinched her a fifth Oscar nomination. Still, after 40 years of acting in more than 80 film and TV projects, Kidman says she approaches each role like she is fresh out of theatre class."

While many fans were happy for the 54-year-old actress, others couldn't help but feel distracted by her "unexpected" midriff-bearing look.

"Why is this distinguished adult dressed as a schoolgirl?" one Instagram user replied.

"Would love to hear the concept behind this… 'Cause I don’t get it," added another.

"One of the most prolific actresses (and also most beautiful) and she is presented as a skimpily dressed school girl in 2022," another wrote. "Who thought this was a good idea? The mind boggles."

Another person chimed in, admitting that they're shocked Kidman agreed to this look.

"Nicole Kidman is incredible but this styling is terrible. I’m shocked she agreed to this," they commented.

"I'm very confused by this completely bizarre and unexpected look. And not in a good way. Literally, no one, not one person asked for this," another said. "This outfit looks like something straight out of an adult film."

"Nicole Kidman is a very talented and beautiful woman, but sadly this outfit ain’t it," someone else wrote.

Vanity Fair's annual Hollywood issue has produced some of the publication's most memorable covers. However, one person pointed out that this year's creative direction fell short of the standard they've come to expect.

"This issue has always been my favourite. The fold-out cover with stunning photos of a group of talented actors. This is sort of disappointing," they wrote.

However, some fashion fans were pleased to see the Oscar-winner taking such a risk with the cover look.

"Nicole Kidman in this Miu Miu fit is an absolute serve,” entertainment reporter Liv Marks wrote.

"Nicole Kidman being a Miu Miu girl is something I didn’t know I needed," another said.

Others were quick to point out that criticism of Kidman's "youthful" ensemble is a prime example of ageism.

"I keep seeing people dunk on Nicole Kidman’s Vanity Fair pics," reporter Caroline Reilly wrote. "The idea that women can’t look a certain way after a certain age or after having children is as toxic as saying they should look a certain way!"

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