L’HISTOIRE: Elizabeth Hurley's Risqué 1994 Versace Dress
The black dress, held together by gold safety pins, became a Versace inspiration for decades to come.
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.
Versace and Hollywood have had an everlasting and glamorous love affair. The Italian fashion house never fails to elevate a celebrity's look with its edgy yet sophisticated designs that have graced the red carpets for decades and created unforgettable moments that are embedded in pop culture. In 1994, Elizabeth Hurley cemented her status as a fashion icon and became synonymous with Versace.
Hurley wore a risqué Versace design featuring gold safety pins that hold the dress together at the side. Its high-leg slit and a daring plunging neckline added to its allure. The bold look turned heads at the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral, which the English actor attended with then-boyfriend Hugh Grant. Her iconic look turned 30 this year and remains one of her best yet.
The dress, designed by the late Gianni Versace, became an instant sensation and has inspired variations with a similar design in the house's collections since. Hollywood stars continue to turn to Versace when they want to make a bold statement. Anne Hathaway channeled something similar at the 2023 Met Gala where she stunned in a white safety pin dress, becoming an instant favorite of the fashion's biggest night.
While Hurley hasn't worn the same dress she wore that defining night, she wore a reimagined Versace design for a Harper's Bazaar shoot in 2019. To the untrained eye, it looks like any other designer dress, but it's more than a piece of clothing. It's a statement and testament to Versace's reputation for creating fearless fashion.
The look seems a bit intimidating to recreate but remember that it's all about confidence. You can opt for a more minimalist look, and fashion enthusiasts will know who you've drawn inspiration from. Lean into your edgier side and give in to Versace's sensual allure. Complement that look with black heels, gold accessories, like earrings and a chunky bracelet, to channel a little Hurley.
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