J. Lo is 50. One more for those in the back: Jennifer Lopez has spent 50 years on the Earth. I know, it’s hard to believe, but it is the simple truth—and she proved it with a dress that cost more than a car and defied the laws of gravity itself.
Buckled and backless, the Versace number has already made history on Kim Kardashian for Vogue Japan, but the biggest takeaway is that, well, it proves chainmail still has firm grip on occasion-wear. No fast fashion iteration or reoccurring representation on the red carpet will dissuade stars from donning the luxury fabric (first introduced by Gianni Versace himself), and J. Lo is proof. In celebration of the megastar’s birthday styling, we chronicled the celebrity chainmail moments we will never forget.
Kendall Jenner
If you’re looking for the source of Kendall Jenner’s inspiration for her 21st birthday outfit, you’re about find it further down. The model paid homage the Julien Macdonald dress Paris Hilton wore for her own 21st, and soon after Hilton told Grazia that she spotted Jenner in the outfit on the way to her party, and pointed out the similarities: “Oh my god that is the exact same dress that I wore to my 21st Birthday that Julien Macdonald!” Said Hilton to Jenner, adding to the outlet: “And she was like “I know it’s not Julien Macdonald but I was obsessed with your dress so I sent the photos to the designer and had him basically copy your dress.”
Naomi Campbell
One of fashion’s favorite icons and Versace’s primary muse, there’s little wonder Campbell has opted for chainmail again and again. Lord knows she wears it well.
Kim Kardashian
From The Met Gala to Paris Hilton’s music video, Kim Kardashian is famous for her chainmail looks.
Paris Hilton
Presenting: the 21st birthday dress that started it all.
Gigi Hadid
It was only a matter of time before a supermodel hit the pink carpet post-Victoria’s Secret show in chainmail, Gigi Hadid’s gold asymmetrical gown deserved a medal.
Dua Lipa
A dedicated fan of chainmail-oriented British brand, Poster Girl, Dua Lipa has been spotted multiple times wearing outfits constructed from the heavy-duty fabric. From skirt sets to cow-neck tops, Dua does it well.
Elizabeth Hurley
While dating heart-throb Hugh Grant in the late 1990s, Elizabeth Hurley delivered some of the hottest red carpet looks of all time. Hurley and Versace, in particular, were a match made in heaven, and chainmail has never looked better.