Elizabeth Hurley Brings Back Iconic Versace Gown from 1999 Met Gala After Nearly Three Decades
The British actress and model has demonstrated that exceptional fashion never goes out of style by retrieving a stunning Versace creation from her personal collection for a recent trip to India. The glamorous gown, originally worn to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala in 1999, made its public reappearance after spending 27 years in storage.
The dramatic ensemble features a daring halter-style neckline that plunges deeply, complemented by an elegant high slit along the right side. The design showcases vibrant magenta and orange beadwork arranged in a captivating sunburst pattern, creating a floral motif that adds striking color to the sophisticated silhouette.
In her social media announcement, Hurley expressed her enduring affection for the piece, describing it as among her most cherished garments. She noted that while nearly three decades have elapsed since she first donned the creation, her appreciation for certain fashion pieces remains unwavering.
A Memorable Met Gala Era
The 1999 Metropolitan Museum gala holds special significance in fashion history, particularly for its unique timing and theme. Originally scheduled for December before the event’s permanent move to May, this particular edition celebrated “Rock Style,” exploring the dynamic relationship between fashion and rock music culture. The prestigious event was overseen by co-chairs Anna Wintour, Tommy Hilfiger, and Aerin Lauder.
This themed celebration became particularly memorable for its relaxed approach, with some attendees like Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney opting for casual “Rock Royalty” t-shirts rather than formal attire.
Styling Then and Now
For the original gala appearance, Hurley maintained an understated accessory approach, carrying a glittering black evening bag while forgoing jewelry to let the dress speak for itself. During her recent revival of the look, she enhanced the ensemble with contemporary touches including dangling earrings, a traditional bindi, a Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori necklace, and a sparkling diamond bracelet.
A Pattern of Fashion Revival
This recent styling choice continues Hurley’s established practice of revisiting her most iconic Versace pieces from the 1990s. During the pandemic in May 2020, she participated in a fashion project wearing another archived Versace creation from her 1999 CFDA Awards appearance. Additionally, in 2019, she famously re-wore her legendary safety-pin dress from the 1994 “Four Weddings and a Funeral” London premiere for a magazine feature, proving that truly exceptional design transcends temporal boundaries.