Amber Valletta Rewears Iconic Green Versace Dress That Predated Jennifer Lopez’s Famous 2000 Look
Fashion nostalgia took center stage at the 2025 CFDA Awards when supermodel Amber Valletta arrived wearing the legendary green Versace dress — the very same design she debuted on the runway in 1999, a year before Jennifer Lopez made it one of the most iconic gowns in pop culture history.
The 51-year-old model turned heads on the red carpet in the bold jungle-print silk chiffon gown with its deep plunging neckline and daring high slit, proving that timeless fashion truly never fades.
Amber Valletta Revives the Dress That Started It All
Valletta first wore the now-historic dress during Versace’s Spring/Summer 1999 fashion show, where designer Donatella Versace introduced what would soon become one of the most talked-about garments in modern fashion.
At the CFDA Awards on Monday, November 3, 2025, Valletta once again embodied that unforgettable moment. She paired the tropical gown with gold stilettos, statement earrings, and natural makeup, styling her short blonde hair in a soft, side-parted wave.
In an Instagram post following the event, the model expressed her appreciation for the legendary brand and its designer:
“Always have and always will be a Versace girl 💚💚💚,” Valletta wrote. “When I first wore this dress in 1999, it felt like a dream come true. All these years later, it feels even more meaningful. Thank you, @donatella_versace, for your loyal friendship, your love, and the way you continue to make women feel powerful, beautiful, and seen.”
Designer Donatella Versace quickly responded in the comments, writing:
“What a MOMENT!!! I appreciate and love you so much, Amber. Thank you for being there for me last night 💜.”
Fans flooded the comments with admiration, one writing, “She said ‘I started it and I will finish it!’ ICONIC 👏👏👏,” while another added, “I love this moment — then and now.”
Jennifer Lopez Made It a Global Sensation
While Valletta debuted the gown first, it was Jennifer Lopez’s appearance at the 2000 Grammy Awards that skyrocketed the dress — and Versace — into fashion legend. The singer’s daring choice became so sensational that it led to the creation of Google Images, as the search engine struggled to keep up with the number of users trying to find pictures of the look.
Lopez herself has long acknowledged the dress’s importance, wearing it again at Versace’s Milan Fashion Week show in 2019 to celebrate its 20-year legacy.
In a 2021 interview with WSJ Magazine’s The One, Valletta praised Lopez for her version of the look, saying:
“I think J.Lo wore it incredibly. It’s just an amazing dress that Donatella designed with such longevity. It’s an iconic piece in fashion history. It’s not about who wore it best — we’re all uniquely beautiful.”
However, she also playfully reminded fans that she “wore it first,” embracing her role in the dress’s legacy.
A Moment in Fashion History
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Valletta’s reappearance in the Versace gown comes more than 25 years after its runway debut, making the moment both nostalgic and symbolic. Her return to the red carpet in the same design serves as a tribute not only to her own legacy but also to Versace’s enduring influence in fashion.
She previously reflected on the experience in a Vogue interview, saying,
“It was a massive, iconic moment when Jennifer wore it, and it’s kind of cool to be a part of that history. But I wore it first.”
The Dress That Redefined Pop Culture
When Jennifer Lopez stepped onto the 2000 Grammy red carpet in the same plunging gown, she instantly made fashion history. The dress’s risqué design — featuring sheer fabric, bold prints, and gravity-defying cuts — captured global attention and solidified Versace’s status as a brand synonymous with glamour and daring innovation.
J.Lo later revealed in her YouTube series “Moments of Fashion” that wearing the dress was almost a last-minute decision:
“There were only two dresses — one white and one green. I put on the green dress, and Benny [Medina] said, ‘That’s it. Don’t even talk about it. That’s the dress.’”
Her appearance remains one of the most memorable fashion moments in Grammy Awards history — and one that continues to inspire designers and artists worldwide.
Amber Valletta’s Timeless Fashion Legacy
For Valletta, revisiting the gown decades later feels like a full-circle moment. The model, known for her influential work in the 1990s and early 2000s, continues to be a beloved figure in the fashion world for her elegance, longevity, and authenticity.
Her tribute to Versace at the CFDA Awards celebrated not just the dress but also the creative partnership between designer and muse.
As Valletta reflected on Instagram:
“Your impact on my life and on the world is beyond measure.”
Looking Ahead
With this red carpet moment, Amber Valletta reminded the world of fashion’s enduring power to reinvent itself while honoring its roots. The iconic green Versace dress — first worn in 1999 and immortalized in 2000 — remains a symbol of bold femininity, timeless design, and the moments that change cultural history forever.
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