The most iconic dresses of all time are memorable and sometimes shocking. From Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Marilyn Monroe’s white halter dress in The Seven Year Itch, these dresses have made a lasting impression on the fashion world. Keep reading to see which other dresses had the most significant cultural impact.
Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dress
In anticipation of her royal nuptials with Prince William, there was much speculation about what Kate Middleton would wear to the big wedding. When the big day finally arrived, royal watchers were not disappointed to see her in a wedding gown reminiscent of a sleek Rosetta Getty dress. Middleton stepped out of her car at Westminster Abbey wearing a flowing ivory gown with a long train. The dress was designed by Sarah Burton of the fashion house Alexander McQueen. The gown was simple but elegant, with a fitted bodice and a lace-trimmed skirt. Middleton’s hair was styled in loose waves, and she wore a tiara and a long veil. The whole look was classic and timeless, and Middleton looked like a true princess.
Audrey Hepburn’s “Black and White” Dress
In a time when most women were wearing bright and colorful dresses, Hepburn’s all black and white outfit was eye-catching and unique. She first wore the dress in the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The dress was designed by Hubert de Givenchy and was very simple, with a tight-fitting bodice and a full skirt. The dress became very popular and was even dubbed the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s dress.” Although the dress was initially designed for a movie, it soon became a popular fashion choice for everyday wear. Women all over the world started wearing black and white dresses in all different styles.
Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” Dress
In 1984, Madonna released her album “Like a Virgin,” and shortly after, she performed the title track on MTV’s “The Video Music Awards.” For the performance, Madonna wore a white wedding dress designed by Marlene Stewart, and the dress was highly controversial at the time because of its suggestive nature. The outfit consisted of a laced bodice, sheer skirt, and long veil. Although it was considered risqué then, the dress has come to be regarded as one of the most iconic dresses in history.
Princess Diana’s Wedding Dress
Princess Diana’s wedding dress is still considered one of the most beautiful gowns ever worn. Diana’s dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel and was made from ivory silk taffeta and lace. It featured a 25-foot train and had a heart-shaped neckline. The dress was also adorned with 10,000 pearls and sequins. The dress was also a complete secret before its dramatic unveiling, making the royal wedding even more memorable.
Marilyn Monroe’s White Dress
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress was worn by Monroe in the movie “The Seven Year Itch” and has become an icon of American culture. The dress is made of a sheer fabric and features a slit up the side, which allows air to flow through and cool Marilyn down during filming. The dress was auctioned off for over $4 million in 2011.
Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress
Lady Gaga’s meat dress was made out of raw beef and stained with blood. This dress was meant to turn heads—and it certainly did. Gaga wore the dress to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, and its purpose was to make a statement that the meat dress was meant to protest against the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and was a statement against the government restrictions placed on the rights of gay soldiers. This dress continues to inspire people to protest using clothing.
While there are many head-turning gowns that could have been mentioned, a few stand out as particularly iconic. These dresses have had an overall impact on fashion and society and continue to be remembered and admired today.
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