A nearly identical replica of the controversial see-through dress famously worn by Kate Moss in 1993 is set to be auctioned. Kerry Taylor Auctions announced that the replica made by Liza Bruce, who designed Moss’ dress, will be part of its Vintage Fashion auction “Antique Costume & Textiles” on April 16. The London-based auction house expects the copy to sell for $250 to $380. The original dress was from Bruce’s spring 1994 collection and was worn by Moss to the “Look Of The Year” bash hosted by Elite Model Management in London.
Kate Moss completed her look with a black thong, matching flip-flops, a fresh face, a messy updo, and a lit cigarette when she wore the daring ensemble that became one of the most iconic frocks in fashion history. The dress inspired countless more see-through dresses, including her daughter Lila’s at The Fashion Awards 2023. However, some critics have accused Moss’ dress of perpetuating toxic diet culture in the 90s. Despite the controversy surrounding the dress, it has remained a significant piece in fashion history.
Members of Gen Z naked fashion fanbase may be eager to bid on the replica dress, but others criticize the impact of Moss’ dress on body image and self-esteem. Some have expressed their negative opinions on social media, with one person even suggesting a ceremonial burning of the dress. Moss herself has claimed that she was not aware of how revealing the dress was when she wore it. She told British Vogue that she did not realize it was see-through until the pictures came out in the newspaper the next day. Moss said the flash made the dress look more revealing than it actually was.
The metallic slip dress designed by Liza Bruce was a rare piece, with only a few of them reportedly created. One of the dresses is part of a collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In addition to the replica dress, the Kerry Taylor auction will also feature other iconic pieces worn by Moss, such as the T-shirt she wore on the cover of i-D Magazine in 2004. The auction will include a mix of vintage pieces from renowned designers such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, and Gianni Versace. Moss’ impact on the fashion industry is evident through the timeless appeal of her iconic looks and the influence they continue to have on contemporary fashion trends.
