Supermodel Gigi Hadid has paid homage to a pivotal moment in fashion history by recreating Elizabeth Hurley’s legendary 1994 Versace safety pin dress for the cover of the latest issue of EE72 magazine. The striking image echoes Hurley’s original, which catapulted her to international fame three decades ago.
A Fashion Landmark Reimagined
The striking cover features Hadid sporting the daring black Versace gown, famously held together by oversized safety pins. This iconic dress, originally worn by Elizabeth Hurley to the premiere of ‘Four Weddings And A Funeral’ in 1994, is widely considered one of the most memorable red carpet looks of the 1990s. Hadid’s interpretation, captured for a spread titled ‘Made in the 90s,’ pairs the dress with towering heels and a deliberately tousled hairstyle, evoking the era’s distinct aesthetic.
The editorial, shot by renowned British photographer Craig McDean, also sees Hadid channeling other quintessential 90s styles. In one notable shot, she pays tribute to Calvin Klein, with the brand’s signature briefs peeking above low-slined jeans. Another image showcases her in a classic 90s look: an unbuttoned men’s tailored shirt.
Elizabeth Hurley’s Original Moment
Thirty-two years ago, Elizabeth Hurley, then a relatively unknown actress, wore the then-£3,000 Versace dress to a high-profile event. The dress, a daring design featuring a plunging neckline and strategically placed gold safety pins, immediately captured global attention. Hurley has since spoken about the unexpected whirlwind that followed, describing how the dress became an overnight sensation.
In a 2024 Disney+ documentary, Hurley recalled the immense media attention, stating, “I must have been photographed 800,000 billion times that night. The next day we were on the front page of every newspaper.” She admitted to initially questioning the dress’s daring nature but ultimately embraced the moment that defined her early career.
The story of how Hurley came to wear the dress is itself a testament to its last-minute acquisition. With limited options available shortly before the premiere, a contact suggested a PR firm that had a single dress available. “We rang and said ‘Do you have anything’ and they said ‘We’ve got one dress’,” Hurley explained. “And I was like ‘Well alright I’d love to borrow it, if I can get into it.'” She famously collected the dress in a simple white plastic bag, initially unfamiliar with the Versace name. After a quick check to ensure its structural integrity, she wore it, unaware of the fashion phenomenon it would become.
Gigi Hadid’s Journey with Versace
While Gigi Hadid has been in the public eye since childhood, modeling for Baby Guess from the age of two, her own ascent to supermodel status also has ties to the Versace brand. Despite her early start, Hadid has spoken about facing industry pressures regarding her body type.
In a conversation with Vogue France, Hadid revealed that a pivotal encounter with Donatella Versace significantly impacted her career and self-perception. “When I started out, people would tell me: ‘With that body, you’ll never walk the runway for Victoria’s Secret.’ Or: ‘You’d have to lose so many kilos…'” Hadid recounted. She explained that she refused to let these judgments deter her, resolving to find her own path.
The turning point came when Donatella Versace offered Hadid crucial validation. “Donatella said to me, ‘Darling, you’re the sexiest girl I’ve ever seen.’ She gave me something invaluable: confidence,” Hadid shared. This endorsement led to Hadid walking in Versace’s Spring/Summer 2016 show, a moment she describes as transformative. Being chosen as the face of the campaign further bolstered her confidence and shifted her self-image.
Nineties Icons and Modern Tributes
The EE72 magazine feature also includes a contribution from another 90s supermodel icon, Cindy Crawford. At 60, Crawford appears on a separate cover, posing in a black bra and an open shirt, photographed by Peter Lindberg. Lindberg is famously known for his 1990 British Vogue cover that united supermodels Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Tatjana Patitz for the first time, a landmark moment in fashion photography.
The ‘Made in the 90s’ theme highlights the enduring influence of that decade’s fashion and modeling scene. Hadid, born years after the original Versace dress’s debut, connects the past and present, demonstrating how iconic designs continue to inspire new generations of models and designers. Her reinterpretation of the safety pin dress serves as a powerful nod to fashion history and the lasting legacy of both Elizabeth Hurley and the Versace brand.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Style
Gigi Hadid’s cover shoot for EE72 magazine is more than just a fashion spread; it’s a carefully curated tribute to a defining era and a specific, unforgettable moment. By revisiting Elizabeth Hurley’s iconic Versace safety pin dress, Hadid not only showcases her own modeling prowess but also reinforces the enduring power of bold design and the cultural impact of 90s fashion. The feature underscores how certain looks transcend time, continuing to resonate and inspire decades later, while also highlighting the personal journeys of models like Hadid who found their confidence and footing with the support of influential figures in the industry.
