Kendall Jenner’s appearance at the 2024 Met Gala sparked a whirlwind of discussion when she claimed to be the first person to wear a 1999 Alexander McQueen for Givenchy gown. The dress, part of the Haute Couture collection, had reportedly been preserved in the archives and never worn by a human before. Jenner expressed her excitement on the red carpet, stating, “I am so, so incredibly honored to wear it. I am the first human to wear it. It was a miracle that it fit. It was a miracle that we found it. It just feels meant to be.” The gown, adorned with 100,000 black and brass beads and sequins, took over 500 hours to hand-embroider.
However, the internet quickly challenged Jenner’s claim. An Instagram account dedicated to Alexander McQueen’s work, @mcqueen_vault, unearthed a 1999 photo of Winona Ryder seemingly wearing the same dress in a magazine shoot. The image, taken by photographer Warwick Saint, featured Ryder styled by Kithe Brewster and makeup by Kevyn Aucoin. This revelation led to a flurry of speculation and debate online.
Some questioned the authenticity of the image, suggesting it might have been created using AI. However, the photo had been circulating on the internet for years, making this theory unlikely. A source close to Givenchy clarified that the dress Ryder wore was a replica, not the original. This explanation suggested that while Ryder did wear a version of the dress, it was not the same one Jenner donned at the Met Gala.
Photographer Warwick Saint confirmed the authenticity of the image, stating it was “definitely authentic” and shot at Milk Studios in NYC around 1999. He emphasized that the dress used in the shoot was an original, as they only used the highest fashion for such projects. Despite this, a source close to Givenchy reiterated that Jenner’s dress at the Met Gala had never been worn before and that Ryder’s dress was a replica.
The controversy highlighted the complexities of fashion history and the challenges of verifying the provenance of archival pieces. While Jenner’s claim to be the first human to wear the dress was technically accurate, the existence of a replica worn by Ryder added a layer of nuance to the story.
Winona Ryder, known for her low-key approach to fame, responded to the incident in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar. She recalled the 1999 photo shoot fondly, mentioning her collaboration with Kevyn Aucoin and the prints she received from the photographer. Ryder expressed no ill will towards Jenner, instead reflecting on the differences between her Hollywood experience and the current era of social media scrutiny.
Ryder’s response underscored her appreciation for the relative privacy she enjoyed during her rise to fame. She acknowledged the intense pressure faced by today’s celebrities and expressed empathy for those navigating the challenges of modern fame. Ryder’s perspective offered a refreshing contrast to the often sensationalized nature of celebrity news.
The Met Gala incident serves as a reminder of the intricate narratives woven into the fabric of fashion history. It also highlights the importance of context and the role of replicas in preserving iconic designs. While Jenner’s moment in the Givenchy gown was a significant fashion statement, the story behind the dress added depth and intrigue to the event.
As the fashion world continues to evolve, such controversies are likely to arise again. They offer opportunities to explore the rich history of design and the ways in which fashion intersects with culture and technology. For now, the tale of Kendall Jenner and Winona Ryder’s shared dress remains a fascinating chapter in the ongoing saga of haute couture.
Source: BuzzFeed, E! News, Harper’s Bazaar, The Cut, PEOPLE
