Blake Lively, the versatile actress known for her roles in various films and television series, has once again captured the attention of fans and fashion enthusiasts alike during the latest stop on the “It Ends with Us” press tour. The 36-year-old star made a stunning appearance at the film’s red carpet premiere in New York City on Tuesday, August 6, wearing a vintage Versace gown that paid homage to none other than pop icon Britney Spears.
The dress, which Blake Lively revealed was actually worn by Britney Spears herself in 2002, has become a talking point for its historical significance in the world of fashion and pop culture. “It is Britney’s actual dress,” Blake Lively exclusively told PEOPLE, expressing her disbelief and excitement. This piece is of such historical and cultural significance that it warrants preservation in a renowned institution like the Smithsonian or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But it’s on me. I feel so lucky!” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the reverence and admiration Blake Lively holds for both the dress and its original wearer, Britney Spears.
The choice of this particular dress is not just a fashion statement but also a clever nod to the themes of “It Ends with Us,” the upcoming film based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Throughout the summer, Blake Lively has been embracing floral-themed dressing, a direct reference to her character Lily Bloom and her floral shop in the movie. The Versace gown, with its embellished flowers across the waist, fits perfectly into this thematic dressing while also paying tribute to a music superstar.
The multicolored sequined dress features a one-shoulder halter neckline and a unique cutout across the bodice, creating a striking silhouette that complements Blake Lively’s figure. To complete the look, she accessorized with rings from Lorraine Schwartz’s fine jewelry line, each carefully selected to match the vibrant colors of the dress, including eye-catching pink and pastel blue hues. A pair of dangle drop earrings in the same color palette added the perfect finishing touch to the ensemble.
Blake Lively’s attention to detail extended to her choice of footwear, opting for iridescent strappy heels that added a subtle sparkle without overpowering the dress. Her glam team also played into the gown’s color scheme, creating a soft pink eyeshadow look that complemented her matte lipstick. The actress’s signature long blonde hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down her back, adding a touch of effortless glamour to the overall look.
Beyond the fashion statement, Blake Lively used this moment to express her admiration for Britney Spears. In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram Stories, Blake Lively wrote, “Today’s mood. Britney Spears was more than a pop icon; she was a cultural touchstone. Her ability to captivate audiences and ignite a desire for self-expression in millions of women is undeniable. Her influence extends far beyond the music industry, shaping an entire generation who found their voices and confidence through her artistry.
Blake Lively recognized Britney Spears’ significant impact on millennials, saying, “Britney, every millennial has a story or a period where you made us want to shine and inspired us with your strength, joy, and incredible hard work.” This message resonates deeply with fans who have followed Britney Spears’s career and personal journey over the years. Blake Lively concluded her tribute with gratitude: “Thank you for your example and your contribution to women telling their stories.” This sentiment aligns perfectly with the themes of empowerment and resilience found in “It Ends with Us,” further cementing the connection between Blake Lively’s fashion choice and the film’s message.
The red carpet event was not just a solo affair for Blake Lively. She was accompanied by her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who showed his support by coordinating his outfit with the film’s theme. Reynolds wore an olive green suit adorned with a white floral boutonniere, a subtle nod to Blake Lively’s character in the movie. The couple was also joined by Hugh Jackman, Reynolds’ co-star in the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine” film, adding star power to an already dazzling event.
Blake Lively’s commitment to thematic dressing during film promotions is not a new phenomenon. Since the beginning of the “It Ends with Us” press tour in June, she has consistently incorporated florals into her wardrobe in various creative ways. This dedication to her character extends beyond mere fashion choices; it’s a strategic approach to marketing and character embodiment that Blake Lively has perfected over the years.
In a recent interview while promoting her Blake Brown haircare line, Blake Lively explained her love for method dressing during promotional events. She sees it as an opportunity to fully immerse herself in a character and create buzz around a project. Blake Lively just spilled the tea on why she’s been dressing like a character from her new movie. Turns out, she’s been doing this since her “A Simple Favor” days. She’s basically turning her movie promos into a fashion show, and it’s genius! It’s a great way to get people talking about the film without breaking the bank on marketing.
Blake Lively’s strategic use of fashion as a marketing tool has proven effective. Blake Lively admitted that dressing like her character is a strategic move to garner attention for the film. And it worked.” This savvy approach to promotion demonstrates Blake Lively’s understanding of the entertainment industry and her ability to leverage her public image to support her projects.
As the release date for “It Ends with Us” approaches, fans and fashion enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating what other floral-inspired looks Blake Lively might unveil. Throughout the press tour, she has showcased a wide range of floral-themed outfits, from minidresses to flower-print jeans, floral shorts, and even embroidered chaps. With the film set to hit theaters on August 9, there’s still time for Blake Lively to surprise audiences with more innovative and eye-catching ensembles that celebrate the movie’s themes and her character’s passion for flowers.
The intersection of fashion, film promotion, and pop culture homage exemplified by Blake Lively’s choice to wear Britney Spears’ vintage Versace gown highlights the multifaceted nature of celebrity in today’s media landscape. It demonstrates how a single fashion choice can simultaneously promote a film, pay tribute to an icon, and generate significant public interest and discussion.
Moreover, Blake Lively’s approach to method dressing and her thoughtful integration of thematic elements into her promotional wardrobe showcase her dedication to her craft and her understanding of the power of visual storytelling. By literally wearing her character’s passion on her sleeve (or in this case, in the form of floral prints and embellishments), Blake Lively creates a tangible connection between herself, her role in “It Ends with Us,” and the audience.
This strategy not only generates buzz for the film but also helps to immerse potential viewers in the world of the story before they even step foot in the theater. It’s a clever way to build anticipation and create a visual narrative that extends beyond the confines of the film itself.
The choice to wear Britney Spears dress also speaks to a larger trend of nostalgia and appreciation for Y2K fashion that has been sweeping the industry. By donning this iconic piece, Blake Lively not only pays homage to Britney Spears but also taps into a collective cultural memory that resonates with many millennials who grew up idolizing the pop star.
Furthermore, Blake Lively’s tribute to Britney Spears comes at a time when conversations about women’s empowerment, autonomy, and the right to control one’s own narrative are at the forefront of public discourse. By celebrating Britney Spears and acknowledging her influence on a generation of women, Blake Lively adds her voice to these important discussions, aligning herself with themes of strength and resilience that are likely to be central to “It Ends with Us.”
As the film’s release date draws near, it’s clear that Blake Blake Lively’s thoughtful and strategic approach to fashion during this press tour has succeeded in generating significant interest and discussion. From her floral-themed outfits to this latest homage to Britney Spears, each fashion choice has been carefully curated to tell a story, promote the film, and engage with fans on multiple levels.
The success of this approach serves as a testament to Blake Lively’s understanding of the power of fashion in the entertainment industry. It also highlights the evolving nature of film promotion in an era where social media and instant communication allow celebrities to connect with their audience in more direct and meaningful ways.
Fans of Blake Lively are in for a treat. Not only can they look forward to her captivating performance in “It Ends with Us,” but they can also anticipate another round of her iconic and trend-setting fashion moments. Each outfit serves as a preview of the film’s themes and a celebration of the character she portrays, building anticipation and creating a immersive experience that extends far beyond the confines of the cinema.
In wearing Britney Spears’ vintage Versace gown, Blake Blake Lively has not only made a stunning fashion statement but has also created a moment of cultural significance. She has bridged the gap between past and present, paying homage to an icon while promoting her latest project. This thoughtful approach to celebrity and film promotion demonstrates why Blake Lively remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected actresses, both for her on-screen talents and her off-screen grace and creativity.
As “It Ends with Us” nears its debut, Blake Lively has already embedded the film, its themes, and her character Lily Bloom into the public’s consciousness. Through the power of fashion, she has cultivated interest, sparked discussions, and created a visual narrative that will undoubtedly enhance the viewing experience for audiences when they finally see the film. It’s a masterclass in promotion, character embodiment, and the art of using fashion as a form of storytelling – all hallmarks of Blake Blake Lively’s unique approach to her craft.