At Hollywood’s recent Breakthrough Prize, Lauren Sanchez, fiancé of Jeff Bezos, stole the spotlight with her stunning red dress.
The former TV presenter and future space traveler dazzled in a figure-hugging gown that made her the center of attention, even outshining A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Glenn Close.
As cameras flashed and the crowd turned their eyes toward her, the image of Sanchez in the dress quickly went viral.
Lauren Sanchez’s Bold Fashion Choice: A Nod to Iconic Hollywood Legends
Following the event, Lauren shared a post on Instagram to reveal more about her eye-catching fashion choice.
She explained that the 1994 John Galliano dress she wore was once donned by the legendary Sophia Loren, calling it a “little piece of history.”
According to Lauren, wearing a piece once worn by Loren—a timeless icon of strength and beauty—was an honor.
She proudly added that the dress was given “a second life” on a night dedicated to pushing boundaries and celebrating brilliance.
A Fashion Mix-Up: The Real Icon Behind the Galliano Dress
However, it turns out that Lauren’s statement about the dress’s past was not entirely accurate.
The Daily Mail has revealed that the iconic red Galliano dress was actually first worn by Raquel Welch, not Sophia Loren.
Sources close to Sanchez have labeled this as an “honest mistake,” but the mix-up has sparked some conversation.
The two actresses, although both famous for their beauty and captivating presence, had vastly different careers.
Raquel Welch vs. Sophia Loren: Two Different Icons
While Lauren may have confused the two stars due to their shared features—both being brunette bombshells with striking looks—their careers couldn’t have been more different.
Loren, who is still making public appearances at 90, is a true legend of Hollywood, having won an Oscar for her role in Two Women and starred in numerous classic films.
On the other hand, Raquel Welch, who passed away in 2023, was known primarily for her sex appeal, becoming famous in films like One Million Years B.C. where she wore a fur bikini.
A Hollywood producer explained that while it’s understandable why Lauren might mix up the two due to their similar appearance, their careers were distinct.
Loren was a serious actress and an Oscar winner, while Welch was more of a sex symbol.
The producer humorously compared the two to vintage bottles of wine, noting that it was like comparing a rare bottle of Dom Perignon to a more accessible bottle of Prosecco.
The Real History Behind the 1994 Galliano Dress
As it turns out, Lauren’s dress was part of John Galliano’s 1994 Sao Schlumberger collection, which fused Eastern and Western fashion influences.
This dress had previously been worn by Raquel Welch at a 1996 AIDS gala in Los Angeles, where she gave a heartfelt speech.
The dress is now considered a significant piece of fashion history, thanks to its intricate design and Welch’s celebrity connection.
The vintage dress, which was sold for $7,000 at the famed LA store Timeless Vixen, is described as ultra-flattering, featuring a sexy ruby red color and a low plunge with a draped front overlay.
Despite the mix-up in the dress’s history, the piece remains a showstopper in its own right.
Vintage Fashion in Hollywood: A Growing Trend
Vintage fashion has become a popular trend in Hollywood, with celebrities opting for repurposed clothing to make eco-conscious statements on the red carpet.
This trend was evident at the Oscars, where actress Mikey Madison wore a 1956 Christian Dior gown, and Ariana Grande chose a vintage Yves Saint Laurent dress for the Oscars nominees’ dinner.
Even Queen Camilla embraced the trend, re-wearing her wedding outfit during a recent state visit to Italy, showing that vintage clothing is becoming a symbol of both sustainability and timeless style in Hollywood.
Lauren Sanchez’s mix-up with the dress’s history might have sparked some laughs, but it didn’t take away from the undeniable beauty and impact of her red carpet appearance.