The Art of the Homage: Anne Hathaway Masters Vintage Valentino at WWD Honors
In an era where red carpet dressing has become a calculated game of brand alliances and borrowed jewels, Anne Hathaway delivered a masterclass in sartorial storytelling at last night’s WWD Honors in New York. The actor—never one to merely wear a dress when she can inhabit it—emerged in a breathtaking archival Valentino creation from the house’s fall 2003 couture collection, rendered in the brand’s iconic, heart-stopping red.
The choice was nothing short of poetic genius. With Valentino’s cofounders, Giancarlo Giammetti and Valentino Garavani, being honored at the evening’s festivities, Hathaway’s selection transcended mere fashion and entered the realm of tribute. This wasn’t simply a dress; it was a love letter to two decades of design legacy, pulled from the vaults and given new life on one of Hollywood’s most discerning style icons.
The gown itself? Pure romance wrapped in technical precision. Delicate spaghetti straps—each tied in demure bows at the shoulders—framed a ruched, corset-style bodice featuring plissé detailing that created a faux-corset effect. Cut with an inverted Basque waistline that accentuated Hathaway’s silhouette to perfection, the design featured wingspan-style panels along the sides that added architectural interest to the dreamy aesthetic. From the waist, the magic truly unfolded: three tiers of billowy chiffon ruffles cascaded to the floor in asymmetrical layers, each finished with dramatic, sweeping ribbons that created movement with every step. The effect was simultaneously Shakespearean and utterly feminine—a free-spirited ethos captured in haute couture construction.
Hathaway’s styling approach? Refreshingly restrained, allowing the dress to command center stage. She selected matching pointed-toe pumps in coordinating red, while diamond-clad jewelry—including drop earrings, a delicate bracelet, and statement rings—added just enough sparkle without overwhelming the vintage masterpiece. Her long, dark hair was styled in a voluminous half-up, half-down configuration with a subtle bouffant at the crown, channeling classic red carpet glamour. The pièce de résistance? A vibrant coral-red lip that perfectly echoed the gown’s bold hue, creating a monochromatic moment that felt modern rather than matchy-matchy.
The brilliance of Hathaway’s approach lies in her understanding that archival fashion isn’t about living in the past—it’s about contextualizing history within contemporary moments. By selecting a piece that honored the evening’s guests of honor while simultaneously showcasing her own evolved aesthetic, she demonstrated why she remains one of fashion’s most intelligent ambassadors.
Accompanied by husband Adam Shulman, who kept things classically understated in a black suit jacket worn open over an unbuttoned collared shirt with contrasting buttons, the couple radiated effortless elegance. Together, they embodied that rare quality in modern celebrity culture: genuine joy. Hathaway’s megawatt smile proved the most dazzling accessory of all—proof that when you’re wearing something truly special, confidence becomes your greatest embellishment.
In a landscape increasingly dominated by see-now-buy-now fashion and fleeting trends, Hathaway’s archival moment reminds us that true style is timeless. Twenty years after gracing Valentino’s couture runway, this red dress has found its perfect second act.
