L'HISTOIRE: Courteney Cox's Gilded Mosaic Moment at the 1997 Golden Globes

L’HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.

In the '90s, the cast of the beloved sitcom Friends were the darlings of pop culture, captivating audiences with their charm both on and off the screen. Their personal style quickly became a source of admiration, setting trends and defining '90s fashion. Among them, Courteney Cox consistently stood out, and her appearance at the 1997 Golden Globes was no exception. With all eyes on her, Cox delivered a red carpet moment that cemented herself as a '90s fashion icon. 

Wearing a piece from Valentino's Spring/Summer 1997 collection, Cox looked beautiful in the golden mosaic gown featuring a fitted mermaid silhouette, which was a perfect marriage of sophistication and '90s Hollywood glamour.

Gold is a perennial standout at the Golden Globes, often chosen by stars to reflect the opulence of the event and to echo the brilliance of the trophy itself. However, Cox's moment stood out even in a sea of gold gowns, thanks to Valentino's intricate golden mosaic pattern on the gown. The mosaic motif cascaded down the length of the gown, fading delicately before culminating in a fringed, playful finish at the fishtail hemline. This gradual transition of textures gave the gown a dynamic quality, drawing the eye from the very top of the dress to the softly flowing hem. 

But Cox’s look wasn’t just about the gown. Her beauty choices elevated the ensemble to iconic status. She opted for a vintage-inspired updo, which created a clean, timeless frame for her face. A single curl was left out of the updo, artfully placed in the center of her forehead, adding a touch of whimsy and softening the structured hairstyle. Her makeup, on the other hand, leaned into a sultry, dramatic aesthetic: a dark plum lipstick that contrasted beautifully with her porcelain skin and a smoky eye that added depth. 

Cox’s look at the 1997 Golden Globes has since been named one of the best in the event’s history, a testament to the enduring appeal of her Valentino gown and thoughtful styling. While the Friends actress was already a household name at the time, her Golden Globes appearance proved she was more than just a beloved sitcom star—she was also a bona fide style icon. By embracing the boldness of gold and pairing it with a daring beauty look, Cox demonstrated how to make a statement on one of Hollywood’s most glamorous nights.