Halle Berry just walked the runway in her historic 2002 Oscars dress
Last night, Halle Berry stirred Noughties nostalgia when she walked the runway at Elie Saab wearing one of the most famous dresses in red-carpet history, the design she wore to the 2002 Oscars.
Set against a glittering and carnivalesque backdrop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hundreds of guests converged to watch the unveiling of the designer's latest collection.
The show, titled 'The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab', offered up an immersive experience on a momentous scale, including a 300-strong collection of looks and a stellar line-up of performances including from Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, and Nancy Ajram, all dressed in Saab's fantastical couture, with Céline Dion closing the show in a glittering floor length sheer gown.
But it was the moment Berry re-wore her historic dress that had the fashion crowd most excited. The piece of couture was just as memorable the second time around, constructed with a sheer mesh bodice, ornate floral embroidery and burgundy skirt. The actress wore her hair atop her head in a slick back style, a departure from the much-referenced, face-framing pixie cut she had back in 2002.
Beyond its status as a beautiful atelier creation, the dress carried meaning for Berry, Saab and the wider culture. It was the gown that Berry wore to the historic 74th Academy Award show in 2002, which saw the actress taking home her first Oscar for 'Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role' for Monster's Ball, making her the first Black woman to win the prestigious award category.
It was a significant occasion for Saab too; Berry's inaugural wearing of the dress was integral to introducing Saab to a more mainstream audience. Last night's show, which celebrated 45 years of the house, was also the first time that Berry and Saab met, 22 years on from her wearing the Lebanese designer on that momentous evening.
Sharing the video of her appearance on Instagram, Berry wrote; "There are some moments in life that just happen and they change our lives forever! Winning an Academy Award in my Elie Saab gown was one of those moments for me!"
She continued: "Thank you Mr. Saab for being a part of the tapestry of my life as we have been inextricably connected for 22 years now!"
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