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From Liz Hurley to Jennifer Lawrence: the history behind that Versace dress

Getty/ PA
Getty/ PA

Other than the Queen sitting front row at London Fashion Week, Jennifer Lawrence’s Versace dress has been one of the most talked about things this week.

The actress came under fire after wearing the dress - which featured a plunging neckline and a thigh-high split - for a photocall with her Red Sparrow castmates on a freezing day.

Lawrence quickly took to social media to defend her outfit choice, saying: “I am extremely offended. That Versace dress was fabulous, you think I'm going to cover that gorgeous dress up with a coat and a scarf? I was outside for 5 minutes...get a grip people. Everything you see me wear is my choice. And if I want to be cold THATS MY CHOICE TOO!”

Whatever you thought of the weather, there's no doubt you would have recognised the dress, since it closely resembled Liz Hurley’s iconic safety pin number from 1994.

Jennifer Lawrence with her Red Sparrow co-stars (John Phillips/Getty Images)
Jennifer Lawrence with her Red Sparrow co-stars (John Phillips/Getty Images)

That Versace dress catapulted Hurley onto the fashion scene back in the 90s when she wore it to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral with her then boyfriend, Hugh Grant.

Liz Hurley wearing Versace's safety-pin dress in 1994 (PA Archive/PA Images)
Liz Hurley wearing Versace's safety-pin dress in 1994 (PA Archive/PA Images)

Since then, the design has had a firm footing in the history books with many, including Lady Gaga, paying homage to the look.

Lady Gaga paying homage to the safety pin dress in 2012 (Marco Vicino / Splash News)
Lady Gaga paying homage to the safety pin dress in 2012 (Marco Vicino / Splash News)

24-years-later and Versace finally decided to reinvent the memorable number, creating a similar, but slightly more chic design for its Pre Fall 2018 collection.

Versace's Pre Fall 2018 collection (Versace)
Versace's Pre Fall 2018 collection (Versace)

The dress was just one of many which offered a throwback moment; Versace's latest collections have featured archive prints and signature silhouettes, paying tribute to Gianni Versace, who was murdered 20 years ago.

Jennifer Lawrence in Versace (John Phillips/Getty Images)
Jennifer Lawrence in Versace (John Phillips/Getty Images)

Lawrence is the first celebrity to be seen sporting the new season gown, which has been updated with a luxe velvet finish, gold Medusa buttons and an extra dramatic high front split.

And we're sure she won't be the last, even though it is freezing outside. To quote J Law: "I would have stood in the snow for that dress because I love fashion and that was my choice."