PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY: Christy Turlington walks the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture show as part of Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 1992-1993 in January, 1992 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Cover Photo: Getty Images

From a Chanel LBD to a gilded Dior gown, these iconic runway looks capture the spirit of the Tatler Ball’s Legendary theme

When we officially unveiled our theme for the Tatler Ball, we emphasised that what truly makes a legendary ensemble is not any physical quality but the story you tell through it. The spirit with which you carry yourself on our special evening is what everyone will remember, more so than the dramatic ballgowns or the stunning jewellery you wear.

And while it would be nice if you showed up in rubies to celebrate our 40th anniversary, make no mistake: we would never be so silly as to limit our dress code to a single colour. We’re Tatler Singapore, after all, and we do things with style and class.

To inspire you, we spotlight some of the most unforgettable runway looks that have made fashion history—and why these ensembles were legendary for reasons beyond their hue.

Read more: What Makes a Legend Most: Decoding the Tatler Ball 2022 Theme

Chanel spring 1992 couture

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PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY: Christy Turlington walks the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture show as part of Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 1992-1993 in January, 1992 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Above Photo: Getty Images

Chanel’s famous chain dress has stood the test of time since debuting on the runway in 1992. It was referenced in the Japanese anime Sailor Moon, worn by Penelope Cruz in the 2009 film Broken Embraces, and then brought to the 2019 Met Gala red carpet by Lily-Rose Depp. The LBD, designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld, is accentuated with elegantly draped gold body chains and styled with Chanel’s classic pearls.

Mugler fall 1995 couture

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Above Photo: Getty Images

Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus came to life at Thierry Mugler’s 20th anniversary fashion extravaganza, which saw a model walk down the runway in this oyster shell gown. It was revived in recent memory thanks to Cardi B, who flaunted the dress on the 2019 Grammys red carpet. It was only the second time in 25 years that Mugler had opened its archives for a celebrity.

Dior spring 2004 couture

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Fashion’s master maximalist John Galliano married his love for the exotic with extravagance at his fashion show inspired by Egypt. This was the opening look: a gilded ballgown with haute couture sensibilities that’s fit for a modern-day Nefertiti.

In case you missed it: Gilded Glamour: 12 Red Carpet Looks That are Perfect For the 2022 Met Gala

Alexander McQueen fall 2010

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Even before being unveiled, Alexander McQueen’s fall 2010 collection was destined to be committed to fashion’s memory. It was, after all, the last collection the designer worked on before he tragically took his own life. This closing look was poetry in fabric, embellished with McQueen’s signature motifs like feathers, embroidery and golden flourishes, and distinguished by its classical silhouette.

Givenchy spring 2011 couture

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Riccardo Tisci’s glory days at Givenchy were marked by his spectacular haute couture collections, and this was no exception. Featuring an all-Asian line-up of models, the Japanese-inspired presentation showcased Givenchy’s finest craftsmanship. From the detailed embroidery of the cranes to the delicate layering of sheer fabrics, this gown worn by Chinese supermodel Fei Fei Sun captured it all.

Valentino fall 2018 couture

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Even before Valentino’s Pink PP collection took over the streets and the red carpet, designer Pierpaolo Piccioli demonstrated his penchant for striking, beautiful colours through his couture offerings. This feathered ballgown, worn by Kaia Gerber, made the case for soft pink shades and big volumes—both in clothing and coiffure.

Schiaparelli fall 2021 couture

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Daniel Roseberry’s surreal, gilded couture for Schiaparelli truly came into the spotlight when Bella Hadid wore the fashion brand’s black gown with a golden lung breastplate to the Cannes red carpet. This gown, from the same collection, displays all of Roseberry’s stylistic obsessions, from the sculpted gold blooms to the dramatically draped mermaid skirt.

Balenciaga fall 2022 couture

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Balenciaga designer Demna (formerly known as Demna Gvasalia) has honoured the heritage of the maison by bringing back its haute couture collections, almost half a century after its legendary founder retired. His creations blend Balenciaga’s couture traditions with unexpected, modern-day twists—all of which is encapsulated in this emerald green ballgown which features a puffed bustle only on the front. Demna knew he had an instant classic, and the look was modelled by none other than Bella Hadid.

In case you missed it: Balenciaga’s New Couture Store Will Offer Its Rarest Pieces, Fresh From the Runway

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