Bella Hadid Revives Cannes Iconography: The John Galliano Dress That Defined Two Generations

Some dresses do more than make a statement-they become part of fashion’s living memory. This week, Bella Hadid reminded the world of that truth, stepping out in London in a shimmering silver chainmail John Galliano dress that first made history on the Cannes red carpet 28 years ago. The moment wasn’t just a nod to nostalgia; it was a masterclass in how the right dress, worn at the right time, can transcend eras and cement an It-Girl legacy.

A Dress With Cannes in Its DNA

The story of this dress begins in 1997, on the Croisette, when Milla Jovovich wore it to the premiere of The Fifth Element at the 50th Cannes Film Festival. Designed by John Galliano for his Fall/Winter 1997 collection, the gown was a futuristic vision: liquid silver chainmail, a plunging V-neck, an asymmetrical hem, and delicate metallic rosettes. Jovovich’s styling was minimal-strappy silver sandals and little else-allowing the dress’s craftsmanship and bold silhouette to command the spotlight. The look was instantly iconic, perfectly capturing the era’s spirit of innovation and individualism, and it became one of the most memorable fashion moments in Cannes history.

Bella’s Modern Homage

Fast forward to May 2025: Bella Hadid, fresh from her own run of head-turning Cannes appearances, chose this very Galliano dress for the London launch of her Orebella fragrance. Hadid, now the face of a new generation of supermodels, brought her own twist to the archival piece. She paired the dress with pointed silver Jimmy Choo pumps, a diamond tennis necklace, heart-shaped drop earrings, and a chignon adorned with white roses-a nod to the dress’s 3D floral details and a wink to vintage glamour.

Hadid’s look was more than a simple throwback. With her newly blonde hair and luminous makeup, she channeled both her sister Gigi and the legacy of ‘90s supermodels, proving the enduring relevance of Galliano’s design. The dress’s chainmail shimmer felt as modern and daring in 2025 as it did in 1997-a testament to both Galliano’s vision and Hadid’s fashion instincts.

Why This Moment Matters

Bella Hadid’s choice to resurrect this particular piece-just days after leaving the Croisette, where sheer “naked” dresses were newly banned-was a subtle act of fashion commentary. By wearing a dress with such deep Cannes roots, she paid homage to the festival’s history of sartorial risk-taking and to the women who made it legendary. In a year when the red carpet rules changed, Hadid’s off-carpet tribute was a reminder that true style is both timeless and rebellious.

The Galliano dress, first modeled by Hedvig Marie Maigre and immortalized by Jovovich, has now found new life in Hadid’s hands. It’s a rare feat: a single garment, worn nearly three decades apart, still able to steal the spotlight and spark conversation around the world.

The Enduring Power of an Iconic Dress

From the mirrored halls of Cannes in 1997 to a London launch party in 2025, the Galliano chainmail dress remains a symbol of fashion’s power to connect generations and tell stories without words. For Bella Hadid, it’s another chapter in her ongoing love affair with vintage and a reminder that some dresses are destined to make history-again and again.