Amber Valletta revives Versace’s iconic Jungle Gown in a stunning 25-year throwback

It was the year 1999 when supermodel Amber Valetta strutted the ramp hand in hand with Donatella Versace. Clad in a green gown with jungle print and a plunging neckline that dropped to her navel she was walking for Versace's Spring/Summer 2000 show.While she might not have known at the time, the model created a pop culture phenomenon donning the sexy dress that was later popularised by Jennifer Lopez, who wore it to the 2000 Grammy Awards red carpet.Now, for her latest look at the CFDA Fashion Awards 2025, Valetta dived deep into the fashion archives. She revived the iconic gown, wearing it for the first time off the ramp herself.

An ode to Versace

From Elizabeth Hurley's chainmail dress to Amber Valetta's jungle gown, Versace is a fashion house that has created some of the most iconic ensembles of all time that have been donned time and again by fans of fashion.At the event, the 51-year-old supermodel spoke to the reporters about her look. She share the inspiration behind rewearing the gown for the ceremony that celebrates a hybrid of American designers, brands and organisations from across the American Fashion Industry."I feel extra special to be at the CFDA Awards because I'm in the Versace jungle dress and I've never worn my dress out in public. This is the first time that I've ever worn it on the red carpet and so I'm just really excited to be in the magical dress," she said to Vogue.

She also added that she was present at the event to honour Donatella Versace, who was being honoured by the Council of Fashion Designers of America with the Positive Change Award."And to be honoring Donatella who completely deserves the positive change award for all of her philanthropy," she added, emphasising, "All of it's really special," she added.

Versace's Jungle Gown: A walk through history

Soon after the supermodel debuted the dress on the ramp, JLo wore it at the Grammys.

The singer made the designer piece a global sensation, giving it the name of Versace's iconic jungle dress viral on social media and search platforms.Talking about the dress she rewore again in 2019, Lopez said "I put on the green dress and come out, and Benny goes, 'That's it. That's it. Don't even talk about it. That's the dress,' " on the premiere episode of her YouTube series 'Fashion Moments.In April 2023, Valetta shared her thoughts on her runway moment and Lopez's contribution to making the gown a phenomenon. "This dress I think has been Googled more times than any other look in history – literally broke the Internet when she wore it. Kinda cool to be a part of that history," she said of Lopez while adding that "I wore it first."Not just her, the designer herself wore a sleeveless version of the gown to the 1999 Met Gala.Additionally, celebrities including Tyra Banks, Kerri Colby, Lisa Rinna and others have also donned versions of the iconic number.