Blake Lively made a stunning statement at the New York City premiere of her latest film, “It Ends With Us,” by wearing the exact Versace dress once famously donned by Britney Spears.
The actress, 36, channelled the “ultimate queen” of pop with her multicoloured gown, originally showcased by Spears at the Versace Spring 2003 runway show during Milan Fashion Week.
In a pre-premiere interview with People, Lively expressed her admiration for Spears, saying, “It is Britney’s actual dress. It should be in the Smithsonian or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but it’s on me.” Lively’s choice of dress was not just a fashion statement but a heartfelt tribute to Spears, who she described as representing “love and beauty and youth and hard work and determination and strength.”
During the premiere, Lively explained to Extra TV that wearing the dress had significant personal meaning. She praised Spears for her ability to balance strength with delicacy and for her influence on her own life.
“She represented all of these things,” Lively said. “Her telling her own story the way she did and the way she’s about to with her biopic … Britney has meant so much to me forever. I’m a forever Britney stan.”
The actress recounted how she eagerly seized the chance to wear the iconic gown, saying, “I was like, ‘Yes! I need it,'” and revealed that she had been waiting for the perfect occasion to showcase it.
Lively, who plays a florist named Lily Bloom in the Justin Baldoni-directed film set to hit theatres on Friday, also honoured Spears on her Instagram.
She shared a photo of Spears from over two decades ago in the same dress, writing, “Today’s mood. The ultimate queen who made us all want to sparkle and write and share our stories.” Lively thanked Spears for her influence and role in inspiring women to tell their stories.
