At the recent Breakthrough Prize ceremony in Hollywood, Lauren Sanchez, the fiancée of billionaire Jeff Bezos, captivated audiences while walking the red carpet in a striking figure-hugging red dress. The 55-year-old former television presenter garnered attention as dozens of camera flashes illuminated her presence, drawing comparisons to numerous A-list celebrities in attendance, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Glenn Close.
Post-event, Sanchez took to Instagram to elaborate on her fashion choice, proudly stating, "I wore a little piece of history. This 1994 John Galliano dress was once worn by the legendary Sophia Loren - an icon of strength and timeless beauty. I was proud to give it a second life on a night all about pushing boundaries and honouring brilliance." However, the assertion about the dress's previous owner has been called into question. The Daily Mail has revealed that the ruby red spaghetti-strap Galliano gown was not worn by Loren but by another Hollywood icon, Raquel Welch, who passed away in 2023.
Sources close to Sanchez suggest that this mix-up was an "honest mistake," given the stark differences between the two actresses. Sophia Loren, who remains an iconic figure at 90 years of age, is heralded as one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. In contrast, Raquel Welch, often celebrated for her appealing persona rather than her filmography, gained notoriety for her role in "One Million Years B.C." and is remembered primarily as a sex symbol.
A prominent Hollywood producer commented on the confusion, recognising the similarities between the two actresses: "I can see why someone like Lauren might get the two confused - both are sexy, brunette and exotic-looking - but Raquel Welch and Sophia Loren had very different careers." He further illustrated the distinction, likening it to "comparing a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon to a bottle of Prosecco."
Despite the misattribution of the gown’s provenance, Sanchez's choice to wear a vintage piece is consistent with a broader trend in Hollywood, where celebrities often opt for 'repurposed' clothing to enhance their eco-credentials. The gown, sourced from the renowned Los Angeles vintage store Timeless Vixen for $7,000, is part of Galliano's 1994 'Sao Schlumberger' collection, known for blending eastern and western design elements.
Timeless Vixen describes the dress as "ultra rare and totally breathtaking," noting its construction from a stretch viscose rayon that perfectly hugs the body. The store’s owner, Lauren Lepire, praised the gown’s features, commenting on its captivating ruby red colour and flattering fit.
Sanchez accessorised her vintage gown with an astronaut-themed bag designed by Judith Leiber, as she prepares for her upcoming space flight aboard one of Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin rockets, scheduled for Monday, April 14. She will be joined on this historical journey by notable figures including Katy Perry and Gayle King.
The trend of wearing vintage dresses has recently gained traction among celebrities, exemplified by Best Actress winner Mikey Madison's choice of an antique Christian Dior gown for the Oscars. Even Queen Camilla has participated in this movement, re-wearing her wedding outfit during a recent state visit to Italy.
Source: Noah Wire Services