Naomi Campbell Revives Iconic Black Sequin Chanel Dress from 1996 for Cannes Film Festival

Naomi Campbell Rewears 1996 Dress at Cannes

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Naomi Campbell wowed the crowd at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, May 15, by bringing back a stunning Chanel gown from the past.

At 53 years old, Campbell made a stylish statement at the Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga premiere during the 77th annual event. She confidently rocked the same black sequin dress that she first showcased on the runway back in 1996. This iconic look was originally part of Karl Lagerfeld’s 1997 fall/winter collection, featuring elegant pearl straps and daring slits in the floor-length skirt that highlighted Campbell’s legs.

At the Wednesday soirée, Campbell looked stunning in the same piece she wore when it debuted. She paired it with pointed-toe pumps, dangling diamond earrings, and styled her hair in tight curls.

For the occasion, Campbell was styled by Law Roach, known as an "image architect" with a reputation for digging through the archives of top fashion houses.

At the 2024 Met Gala, Roach, aged 45, styled Zendaya in two stunning gowns. The first one she wore on May 6 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was a creation by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, inspired by a 1999 Dior dress. The gown featured a unique one-shoulder design with a strap wrapped in billowing fabric around the green-and-blue striped bodice. Completing the look was a mermaid skirt adorned with fruit decorations.

Naomi Campbell Rewears 1996 Dress at Cannes

Zendaya made Met Gala history by being the first person to walk the steps twice. She reappeared on the red carpet later in a gothic black gown by John Galliano for Givenchy, originally made in 1996. The dress had an off-the-shoulder corset bodice and a wide skirt. Zendaya completed her look with a bouquet of flowers on her head, perfectly capturing the themes of "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" and the "Garden of Time" dress code.

Roach recently shared with Extra that he found the second dress at a vintage store. Zendaya loved it so much that she purchased it right away.

During the interview on May 7, Roach explained, “We always buy because we want to support small businesses. It's important not to borrow from people who rely on selling these clothes for their livelihood.”

Editor's P/S:

Naomi Campbell and Zendaya's recent red carpet appearances showcase the timeless allure and enduring impact of iconic fashion pieces. Campbell's revival of her 1996 Chanel gown at Cannes demonstrates the enduring power of a well-crafted design, while Zendaya's Met Gala choices highlight the value of preserving and reimagining fashion history.

These events underscore the significance of fashion archives as a source of inspiration and appreciation. Roach's commitment to supporting small businesses through vintage purchases further emphasizes the importance of fostering sustainability and ethical practices within the fashion industry. By embracing the past, both Campbell and Zendaya inspire a new generation of fashion enthusiasts to appreciate and celebrate the artistry of design.