The iconic moment that reshaped both Elizabeth Hurley's public image and the very essence of red carpet fashion.
On May 11, 1994, the London paparazzi had a date with destiny as they awaited the stars of "Four Weddings and a Funeral," a film that would soon become synonymous with the resurgence of British cinema.
Amongst the expected guests such as Andie MacDowell, Hugh Grant, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Rowan Atkinson, Elizabeth Hurley and her audacious Versace dress stole the show.
This black gown adorned with gold safety pins, boasting a daring neckline and the signature Versace medusa emblem, defied conventions and earned the moniker "THAT dress" in bold capitals.
In those days, Elizabeth Hurley was largely known as "Hugh Grant's companion." Their relationship had blossomed in 1988 during the filming of "Rowing in the Wind" in Spain.
Over the next six years, Hugh Grant ascended to the status of a British heartthrob, while Hurley primarily accompanied him to high-profile events. At 29 years old, she struggled to establish herself in the film industry, with roles in forgettable films like "Passenger 57" and "Kill Cruise."
However, THAT dress changed her trajectory. While it didn't transform her into a Greta Garbo overnight, it did elevate her status in the entertainment world. It opened doors to her involvement in successful franchises like Austin Powers and a lucrative contract as the face of Estée Lauder cosmetics. As Stephen Gundle wrote in "Glamour: A History," THAT dress "transformed an unknown actress into one of the most recognizable women in the United Kingdom." This influence extended beyond her personal life; it had a profound societal impact.
Renowned fashion scholar Angela McRobbie affirmed the lasting influence of THAT dress. It altered the landscape of red carpet fashion, emboldening those who graced it. Claire Cohen, a columnist, argued that THAT dress set the stage for celebrities to push boundaries, such as Miley Cyrus appearing at a photo call years later with only nipple shields covering her body.
Elizabeth Hurley has deftly maintained the mystique surrounding THAT dress. She has claimed that it was a favor from Versace because she couldn't afford to buy a gown. Her stylists offered her a dress from Versace's press office, and she tried it on - the rest is history.
In more recent reflections on her entry into the world of celebrity, she underlines her naivety at the time, a stark contrast to expert opinions. She even mentioned doing her own makeup and hair in the rush of the moment. For Donatella Versace, Liz perfectly embodied the woman Gianni had in mind when creating the dress - a woman confident in herself and unafraid to defy conventions.
Regardless of the perspectives on the origins of THAT dress, its influence cannot be denied. It even has its dedicated entry on Wikipedia and proudly resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum as Gianni Versace's most renowned creation.
In 2007, a copy of THAT dress fetched £10,690 at auction at Harrods. In 2012, the legacy of THAT Dress continued when Lady Gaga, known for her eccentric attire, walked the streets of Milan in a replica. It was a tribute to Gianni, Donatella, and the Elizabeth Hurley who, on May 11, 1994, shifted from being Hugh Grant's partner to one of the most sought-after celebrities of her time.
