Elizabeth Hurley’s stunning appearance in the now-iconic Versace safety pin dress at the 1994 premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral remains one of the most talked-about moments in red carpet history. Not only did the daring gown cement Hurley’s status as a style icon, but it also redefined how fashion and celebrity culture intersect. Her then-boyfriend, actor Hugh Grant, summed up his reaction to the unforgettable ensemble in one word: “Christ.”
The Reaction That Started It All
On the December 11 episode of The Coop With Kit podcast, Hurley, now 59, reflected on the moment Grant first saw her in the dress. “When he saw me in it for the first time, he just went, ‘Christ,’” she shared, laughing. Grant’s stunned response perfectly encapsulated the impact of the daring design, which turned heads and dominated headlines worldwide.
A Dress That Redefined Red Carpet Fashion
The Versace dress, designed by the legendary Gianni Versace, featured a bold plunging neckline and strategic cutouts held together by gold safety pins adorned with Medusa’s head. It was a statement piece that challenged conventional red carpet norms and proved the power of provocative fashion.
In a 2019 interview with InStyle, Donatella Versace, who succeeded her brother Gianni as the head of the fashion house, reflected on the dress’s impact. “That’s when we started to realize the power of the red carpet and celebrities in creating topics of conversation,” she said. “No one could really fathom such an astonishing reaction, or that Liz would steal the spotlight.”
How the Iconic Dress Came to Be
Interestingly, the story behind Hurley’s legendary look is as compelling as the gown itself. At the time, Hurley was relatively unknown in Hollywood, with her career mostly confined to modeling and minor acting roles. When she needed a dress for the premiere, several fashion houses turned her down. It was Grant, who was dating Hurley from 1987 to 2000, who stepped in and called in a favor. His persistence paid off when Versace provided the now-iconic design.
“Gianni made that dress for a woman who is sure of herself and who isn’t afraid to break the rules,” Donatella told Harper’s Bazaar in 2023. “Liz embodied all of this in an extraordinary way.”
Hugh Grant’s Role in the Moment
Though the attention that night was squarely on Hurley, Grant’s role in facilitating her fashion triumph shouldn’t be overlooked. Photographs from the event show a sheepishly smiling Grant standing beside Hurley, seemingly in awe of her radiant confidence. Their relationship—which lasted 13 years—may have ended, but their enduring friendship continues. Today, Grant remains a close friend of Hurley and is even the godfather to her 22-year-old son, Damian.
The Legacy of the Versace Dress
The Versace safety pin dress didn’t just make headlines in 1994; it became a cultural milestone. Over the years, the dress has been celebrated for its bold design and the way it challenged traditional notions of elegance and propriety. Hurley herself has acknowledged the enduring fascination with the gown, noting that it’s treated almost like a living entity.
“People ring me up and say ‘Happy birthday’ to that dress,” Hurley revealed. “So yeah, that dress has birthdays.”
Why the Versace Safety Pin Dress Matters Today
Decades later, the Versace safety pin dress continues to be a point of reference for designers, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts alike. It marked the beginning of a new era where the red carpet became as much about individual statements as it was about glamour. This moment in fashion history also underscored the importance of risk-taking and authenticity in personal style.
The Dress as a Symbol of Confidence
What made the dress unforgettable wasn’t just its design but how Hurley wore it. Her confidence and poise transformed the provocative outfit into a symbol of empowerment. As Donatella Versace aptly put it, “Liz embodied all of this in an extraordinary way.”
FAQs About Elizabeth Hurley’s Versace Safety Pin Dress
1. Why is Elizabeth Hurley’s Versace dress so iconic?
The dress redefined red carpet fashion with its daring design and bold statement, showcasing the power of celebrity in driving cultural conversations.
2. Who designed the Versace safety pin dress?
The dress was designed by Gianni Versace, with its provocative elements embodying confidence and rule-breaking elegance.
3. What was Hugh Grant’s reaction to the dress?
Hugh Grant’s immediate reaction upon seeing Elizabeth Hurley in the dress was a stunned “Christ,” reflecting its impactful design.
4. What was Elizabeth Hurley’s status in Hollywood at the time?
At the time of the premiere, Hurley was a relatively unknown model and actress. The dress and its reception catapulted her into global stardom.
5. How did the dress influence fashion history?
The Versace safety pin dress showcased the power of red carpet fashion, turning it into a platform for bold statements and celebrity influence.
