Elizabeth Hurley recalls Hugh Grant’s reaction to safety pin dress

Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant.
Dave Bennett/Helton Archives/Getty ImagesAlready said a lot Elizabeth HurleyVersace’s iconic dress stole the spotlight from her then-boyfriend Hugh Grant in his own four weddings and a funeral Premiered in 1994.
Grant, 64,’s initial reaction said it all, as Hurley, 59, revealed on the Dec. 11 episode of the “The Coop With Kit” podcast. “When he first saw me, he was like, ‘Oh my God.'”
Can you blame him? The risqué design, with its plunging neckline and cutouts held together by gold Medusa-head safety pins, was a no-brainer even by red carpet standards.
as Donatella Versace explain to style 2019: “That’s when we started to realize the power of red carpets and celebrities in creating buzz.” Versace, 69, continued: “No one could really understand such a surprising reaction or that Liz would steal it. Stealing the limelight.”
Hurley’s date didn’t seem to mind. Just look back at the (many red carpet) shots and you’ll see a floppy-haired Grant smiling sheepishly next to her, unable to believe her luck. (The couple dated from 1987 to 2000 and have remained close since their breakup; the actor is also godfather to Hurley’s 22-year-old son Damian, with whom she shares a child.) Steve Bing.)
To his credit, he was the first to “help” after numerous fashion houses turned down Grant’s request to borrow a premiere dress because they had no idea who she was. (At the time, Hurley was a model and not well known in Hollywood except for a few small roles.)
“Jani This dress is for a woman who is confident in herself and dares to break the rules,” said Donatella Harper’s Bazaar In 2023, her late brother passed away.
Perhaps equally extraordinary, according to Hurley, the 1994 premiere has become an (unofficial) anniversary that is recognized and celebrated every year.
“People call me and say ‘Happy Birthday’ to that dress. Yes, that dress has a birthday. Until next year.