Evolution of Chainmail Metallic Goddess Dresses: Over 50 Years of Runway and Red Carpet Glamour [PHOTOS]

Red carpet statement dresses aren’t complete without sparkle. One of the most daring and worn silhouettes is the body-skimming metallic chain-mail dress, introduced in 1968 by Paco Rabanne. His innovation in hammered or studded aluminum anticipated the future of fashion during the hippie movement and space-age aspirations. Rabanne’s innovation, engrained in the DNA of the brand, inspired similar looks from a multitude of designers. Stephen Burrows included a version in his 1976 collection and Gianni Versace, whose ultra-light chain-mail innovation in Oroton introduced in 1983, is still a signature material of the fashion house. Versace reimagined his goddess columns and mini versions for a modern muse in 1994.

WWD’s red carpet coverage captured the chainmail trend in 1975 when Farrah Fawcett donned a plunging halter-neckline version from Stephen Burrows at the 42nd annual Academy Awards. Versace’s 1990s version, a red-carpet star, has been worn by throngs of A-list celebrities and fashion icons. Jennifer Lopez donned a lime-green lace accent mini version at the Grammy Awards in 1999. Kim Kardashian and Zendaya, who went for a Joan of Arc look at the 2018 Met Gala, stunned in versions from Versace. So did America Ferrera in a Barbie-pink version at the 2024 Academy Awards, and Sabrina Carpenter, who hit the red carpet in a metallic silver version at the 2024 TIME100 gala. The dress continues to shine from runway to red carpet. Donatella Versace, herself, keeping the look alive, donning it often for red carpet appearances.