In a move that has sent ripples through the fashion world, Elizabeth Hurley has broken her silence on Maya Jama's recent sartorial choice. The television presenter turned heads at the MTV Europe Music Awards in a near-identical replica of the iconic black Versace safety pin dress that catapulted Hurley to fame nearly three decades ago.
Hurley, who attended the legendary 1994 event with then-boyfriend Hugh Grant, described Jama's decision to copy the look as "odd." The original gown, designed by the late Gianni Versace, is etched into pop culture history, symbolising a moment of pure Hollywood glamour and audacious style.
A Defining Fashion Moment Revisited
The 58-year-old actress revealed her surprise upon seeing the replicated ensemble. "It's a very specific, very famous dress," Hurley remarked, hinting at the unique place it holds in fashion lore. Her appearance alongside Grant at the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral is one of the most photographed moments in red carpet history.
Maya Jama, hosting the 2023 MTV EMAs in Paris, certainly channelled the original's allure. The form-fitting gown, held together by oversized gold safety pins, showcased a daring slit and a similarly risque neckline, leaving little to the imagination.
Homage or Blatant Copy? The Industry Reacts
The fashion community is divided. Some praise Jama for paying tribute to an iconic look, while others question the lack of originality for such a high-profile event. The dress's return has ignited debates about nostalgia in fashion and the fine line between inspiration and imitation.
For Elizabeth Hurley, the dress remains a deeply personal artefact from a defining chapter in her life and career. Her comments suggest that while imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, some legendary looks are perhaps best left in the past, preserved in their original glory.
