Kate Moss’ controversial see-through dress draws jeers as replica is auctioned: ‘This is awful’

Adriana Diaz
A nearly identical replica of the controversial see-through dress Kate Moss was famously photographed wearing to a 1993 party is set to be gaveled off by Kerry Taylor Auctions.
A nearly identical replica of the controversial see-through dress Kate Moss was famously photographed wearing to a 1993 party is set to be gaveled off by Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Don’t let it slip away!

A nearly identical replica of the controversial see-through dress Kate Moss was famously photographed wearing to a 1993 party is set to be auctioned to a fearless fashionista.

Kerry Taylor Auctions recently announced that the look-a-like lamé slipdress — made by Liza Bruce, who designed Moss’ dress — will be part of its Vintage Fashion auction “Antique Costume & Textiles” onApril 16.

The London-based auction house expects the copy to sell for $250 to $380.

The original was pulled from Bruce’s spring 1994 collection and worn by Moss to the “Look of the Year” bash hosted by Elite Model Management in London.

The original was pulled from Liza Bruce’s spring 1994 collection and worn by Moss to the “Look of the Year” bash hosted by Elite Model Management in London. Getty Images
The original was pulled from Liza Bruce’s spring 1994 collection and worn by Moss to the “Look of the Year” bash hosted by Elite Model Management in London. Getty Images

The supermodel, now 50, completed her look with a black thong, matching flip-flops, a fresh face, a messy updo and a lit cigarette.

The daring ensemble went on to become one of the most iconic frocks in fashion history, inspiring countless more — including her daughter Lila’s see-through silver gown at the Fashion Awards 2023.

Gen Z’s naked fashion fans may be eager to grab their bidding paddles, but Moss’ spaghetti strap dress has been accused of helping perpetuate the toxic diet culture of the ’90s.

“You mean the dress that launched a million eating disorders? I’d like to purchase this dress just so I can give it a ceremonial burning,” someone wrote on Instagram last week with regards to the auction.

“This is awful on so many levels … And I work in fashion,” another commented. “It’s sexy only because she [was] severely underweight. The dress gives nothing it’s dull …”

“I did not know that this dress was see-through until the pictures came out the next day in the newspaper,” Moss told British Vogue last year. Kerry Taylor Auctions
“I did not know that this dress was see-through until the pictures came out the next day in the newspaper,” Moss told British Vogue last year. Kerry Taylor Auctions

For her part, Moss has claimed that she had no idea just how much she was showing off in that dress.

“I did not know that this dress was see-through until the pictures came out the next day in the newspaper,” the model told British Vogue last year as she recounted some of her most iconic looks.

“It was the flash that made it look naked because, actually, the fabric, when I was wearing it, I didn’t think it looked this see-through, but obviously it was,” she continued. “Had I known we would be talking about it 30 years later … Good dress, good night.”

Bruce reportedly only designed a few of these metallic slip dresses, one of which is part of a collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

The Kerry Taylor auction will also include the actual T-shirt Moss wore on the 2004 June cover of i-D Magazine and a mix of vintage pieces from Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and Gianni Versace.

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