Halle Berry turned heads once again as she slipped into her legendary Elie Saab gown. This is the same one she wore to accept her historic Oscar in 2002.
The occasion? A grand fashion celebration in Saudi Arabia. The event honoured the Lebanese designer’s influential career and Middle Eastern fashion.
HALLE BERRY IN ELIE SAAB
Known as “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab,” the event dazzled with over 300 unique runway looks.
Berry’s appearance in the gown stole the show, according to USA Today.
This moment resonated with the journey of breaking barriers in fashion and film – something Berry herself embodies.
The gown, in rich burgundy with a sheer, floral-embellished bodice, was a bold choice back in 2002 and remains just as memorable today.
HALLE BERRY’S OSCARS WIN
When Berry wore it to the Oscars 22 years ago, it symbolised more than fashion.
She became the first woman of colour to win the Best Actress award, making her win a significant milestone.
“Halle Berry made the name Elie Saab more popular.
She managed to really put the name Elie Saab on the international market,” Saab said. The designer reflected on the gown’s cultural impact, according to In Style.
ELIE SAAB’S INFLUENCE
Saab’s work has since gained widespread recognition, with stars across the world gravitating to his designs.
The fashion extravaganza took place in Saudi Arabia, a country embracing high fashion on an international stage.
Berry’s walk down the runway was the finale of the event.
She wore the gown with a wide smile, looking just as stunning as she did over two decades ago.
THE ‘HALLE BERRY’ DRESS
The dress had been on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. It added to the event’s air of nostalgia and reverence.
The evening wasn’t just about fashion, however.
The event featured star-studded performances from Céline Dion and Jennifer Lopez, according to Hello Beautiful.
Icons like Camila Cabello, Nancy Ajram, Monica Bellucci, and Amr Diab also made appearances. Elie Saab’s tribute brought together celebrities from around the globe, emphasising his global influence.
BREAKING BOUNDARIES
As a Lebanese designer, Saab’s rise to fame is notable, as he crossed regional boundaries to become a household name in Hollywood and beyond.
The event in Saudi Arabia signalled a continued shift in the global fashion world. More designers and celebrities recognise the region’s vibrant cultural scene.
THE OSCARS MOMENT
The original 2002 Oscars moment meant a lot, both for Berry and the world of fashion.
She dedicated her win to women of colour, saying, “This moment is so much bigger than me.
It’s for every nameless, faceless woman of colour who now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.”
HALLE BERRY AND FASHION HISTORY
Re-wearing the gown in 2024, Berry demonstrated that fashion history can be timeless while still championing progress.
For South African fans, Berry’s choice to revisit the gown may also feel especially meaningful.
In a society where representation and heritage are highly valued, her gesture is a reminder of how the power of fashion extends beyond aesthetics.
Elie Saab’s work is deeply connected to his Middle Eastern roots, yet it resonates globally.
HALLE BERRY’S FASHION LEGACY
Likewise, Berry’s iconic gown bridges cultures, showing how a single moment in fashion can continue to inspire across continents.
Berry’s return to the gown marked an extraordinary highlight in the world of fashion. With her confident walk, she celebrated both Saab’s enduring legacy and her own.
It was a fitting tribute to a designer who helped change the fashion landscape – and to a gown that remains one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE FASHION INDUSTRY HAS EVOLVED SINCE 2002?
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