Winona Ryder, the beloved actress famous for her roles in ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Stranger Things,’ recently addressed Kendall Jenner’s claim made at the 2024 Met Gala. Jenner had confidently asserted she was the ‘first human‘ to wear a 1999 Givenchy dress designed by Alexander McQueen.
However, Ryder, now aged 52, countered this by confirming that she had actually modeled the same dress 25 years ago for Flaunt Magazine. This statement has ignited a fascinating debate in the fashion world.
Winona Ryder Breaks Her Silence
Winona Ryder, the iconic actress known for roles in films like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Stranger Things,’ recently addressed Kendall Jenner’s claim at the 2024 Met Gala. Jenner had proclaimed she was the ‘first human’ to wear a 1999 Givenchy dress designed by Alexander McQueen. Ryder, now 52, confirmed that she had modeled the same dress 25 years ago for Flaunt Magazine.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, Ryder remarked, ‘I heard about that,’ when asked about Jenner’s statement. She continued, ‘I do remember that photo shoot. It was with my dear friend [makeup artist] Kevyn Aucoin,’ reminiscing about the past. Ryder added, ‘And I did wear it. I have pictures. The photographer gave me some prints. I’m in a tartan in one of them, and I’m in that dress.’
Jenner’s Statement and Clarification
Kendall Jenner’s remarks at the Met Gala created quite a buzz. She told Vogue that the dress was ‘literally a Sleeping Beauty,’ perfectly in line with the event’s theme, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.’ Jenner said, ‘It’s been sleeping for the last 25 years. It’s such a special moment. I feel extremely honored that they’re allowing me to wear it.’
However, it was later clarified by Givenchy that Ryder had worn a replica in her 1999 shoot for Flaunt Magazine. This means that Jenner was indeed the first person to wear that specific dress. Despite this, many fans felt misled by Jenner’s initial claim.
Photographer’s Perspective
Photographer Warwick Saint, who was responsible for the shoot with Ryder in 1999, also chimed in on the controversy. He posted the photos of Ryder in the Givenchy dress on Instagram after Jenner’s Met Gala appearance.
‘I shot this image of Winona Ryder back in 1999, wearing this authentic Givenchy dress,’ Saint wrote. He reminisced about the shoot, which took place at Milk Studios for Flaunt Magazine. Saint added, ‘It was captured with makeup by Kevyn Aucoin, hair by Ward, and styling by Kithe Brewster. Interestingly, Kendall Jenner claimed she was the first to wear this dress, and a few people have reached out to me asking if it was authentic ~ it definitely was the authentic Givenchy dress for sure.’
Social Media Reactions
The incident quickly sparked a heated debate on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). One user posted, ‘What a scam, turns out Kendall Jenner is not the first person to wear this Givenchy by McQueen gown!’ alongside pictures of Ryder in the dress.
Another user commented, ‘Not sure why Kendall said she’s the first person to wear it, she may not have known it was worn before unless Winona’s version isn’t the original.’ This discussion highlighted the confusion surrounding the authenticity of Ryder’s dress.
On the other hand, some defended Jenner. One user wrote, ‘I’m sorry but there’s no way y’all think Winona who is 5’3 is going to fit into a piece where the model is like 5’10. It’s obviously a replica.’ These reactions showed the divided opinions among fans and fashion enthusiasts.
Perspective from Givenchy
Givenchy, the iconic fashion house, offered their clarification on this matter. They confirmed that while Ryder did wear a Givenchy dress designed by McQueen in 1999, it was indeed a replica.
This statement from Givenchy was crucial in settling the debate. It made it clear that Kendall Jenner was the first to wear the specific dress that she showcased at the 2024 Met Gala. Meanwhile, Ryder’s dress was a genuine Givenchy creation, but not the same one worn by Jenner.
Revival of Archival Fashion
This incident shines a light on the revival of archival fashion in contemporary times. Designers and celebrities alike are increasingly turning to past masterpieces for inspiration. The 1999 Givenchy dress by Alexander McQueen is just one example.
Kendall Jenner’s appearance at the Met Gala brought significant attention to the trend of reawakening fashion. Her attempt to honour a vintage piece showcased the timeless appeal of such designs. Meanwhile, Winona Ryder’s revelation added an intriguing layer of history to the narrative.
The Role of the Met Gala
The Met Gala is renowned for its role in celebrating fashion history and innovation. Every year, the event features themes that encourage attendees to explore and showcase iconic designs from various eras.
This year’s theme, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,’ was a perfect fit for the discussion surrounding the 1999 Givenchy dress. Both Ryder’s and Jenner’s connections to the piece underscored the Met Gala’s significance in bridging the past and present in fashion.
Legacy of Alexander McQueen
The late Alexander McQueen, known for his dramatic and avant-garde designs, continues to influence the fashion world. His creations from the 1990s remain highly revered and sought after.
The controversy over the Givenchy dress is a testament to McQueen’s enduring legacy. Both Winona Ryder and Kendall Jenner’s involvement with the dress highlight the timeless nature of his work, proving that McQueen’s influence transcends generations.
Fashion Industry’s Dynamics
The fashion industry is known for its dynamic nature, constantly evolving while paying homage to its history. This incident between Ryder and Jenner exemplifies these dynamics.
As fashion continues to evolve, the blending of old and new becomes more prevalent. Celebrities like Ryder and Jenner play a significant role in bringing historical pieces back to the spotlight, making fashion a continuously unfolding story.
In the end, Winona Ryder and Kendall Jenner’s public discussion over the Givenchy dress captures the dynamic nature of fashion. The revival of archival fashion shows how timeless designs continue to inspire debate and admiration.
Winona Ryder’s revelation added a historical dimension, while Kendall Jenner’s appearance underscored the Met Gala’s significance in celebrating fashion history and innovation. This incident highlights the ongoing interplay between past and present in the fashion world.
