Halsey wears a vintage Versace dress previously worn by Elizabeth Hurley at the 2024 VMAs
Halsey imitated Elizabeth Hurley – literally – at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
The 29-year-old singer-songwriter arrived at the VMAs at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY on Wednesday night wearing a vintage red leopard-print Versace dress that the 59-year-old “Royals” actress first wore in 1996.
When red carpet correspondent Nessa Halsey – who uses the pronouns “she” and “her” – asked about the “inspiration” behind her figure-hugging outfit, she explained, “It was literally a miracle to find this dress.”
The musician, born in 1994, continued: “This dress was designed by Gianni Versace for Elizabeth Hurley in 1996 and hasn’t been worn since. From 1996 to today – I’m just living life to the fullest. I love it!”
Versace was murdered the following year in front of his villa in Miami Beach by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. The Italian designer was 50.
His sister Donatella Versace inherited part of the Versace brand and became its creative director. She is currently Chief Creative Officer.
Halsey completed her vintage look with bright red hair left loose and straight, matching lips, pronounced cheeks and minimal eye makeup.
Hurley, for her part, wore the garment in question at the grand opening of the Versace boutique in New York City in October 1996.
The “Austin Powers” star carried a small clutch for the occasion and wore her shoulder-length brown locks open and straight, while side-swept bangs framed her face.
Halsey – who recently announced they were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and T-cell lymphoproliferative disease in 2022 – told Nessa they were “excited” to take the VMA stage later that night for the first time since 2016.
“It’s so crazy! It’s been a really long time. Also, it feels more chaotic than ever,” the “Without Me” singer said as they looked around the packed venue.
“I’m playing a new song from my upcoming album (‘The Great Impersonator’). The song is called ‘Ego’ and I’m really excited. It’s the live debut of the record, so I can’t wait.”
When asked what the track means to her, the “Closer” chart-topper replied that the “style” and “genre” of the song are “indicative” of her “most authentic self as an artist.”
