Elizabeth Hurley recalls Hugh Grant’s answer to the safety pin dress

Much has been said about Elizabeth Hurleythe iconic Versace dress that ousted her then-boyfriend Hugh Grant to myself Four weddings and a funeral premiered in 1994.

Grant, 64, had an initial reaction that said it all, as Hurley, 59, revealed on the Dec. 11 episode of “The Chicken Coop with a Kit” podcast. “When he saw me in it for the first time, he just said, ‘God.'”

And can you blame him? The risqué design, with its plunging neckline and cutouts attached with gold Medusa head safety pins, was nothing short of daring, even by red carpet standards.

like Donatella Versace explained to InStyle in 2019: “That’s when we started to realize the power of the red carpet and celebrities to create conversation.” Versace, 69, continued: “No one could have really fathomed such an amazing reaction or that Liz would steal the spotlight. “

Related: Elizabeth Hurley’s iconic safety pin dress was her first Couture experience

There are some style moments that will forever make us swoon—one of them being Elizabeth Hurley’s iconic safety pin Versace dress. The now 58-year-old actress made fashion history when she wore the daring outfit to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994. with her then-boyfriend Hugh Grant. The eye-catching number included (…)

Not that Hurley’s date seemed to mind. Just look back at the footage (many from the red carpet) and you’ll spot a loose-haired Grant smiling coyly next to her, unable to believe his luck. (The couple dated from 1987 to 2000 and remained close after their split; the actor is also godfather to Hurley’s 22-year-old son, Damian, with whom she shares Steve Bing.)

To Grant’s credit, he was the one who asked for a “favor” after many fashion houses turned down his request to borrow a dress for the premiere because they didn’t know who she was. (At the time, Hurley was a model and, except for a few small roles, was unknown in Hollywood.)

“Gianni make this dress for a woman who is confident in herself and who is not afraid to break the rules,” said Donatella Harper’s Bazaar of her late brother in 2023. “Liz embodied all of that in an outstanding way.”

Perhaps just as extraordinary, according to Hurley, the 1994 premiere. has become something of an (unofficial) anniversary that is recognized and seemingly celebrated every year.

“People call me and say ‘Happy Birthday’ to this dress. So yes, this dress has birthdays. Until next year.