Bella Hadid’s Slinky Red Gown Causes Wardrobe Malfunction

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If you wear a gown as slinky as Bella Hadid’s red Alexandre Vauthier gown, you’re bound to have a wardrobe mishap.

Draped in a striking red Alexandre Vauthier silk wrap gown, Bella Hadid showcased her leggy allure with a daringly high side split that ascended all the way to her waistDraped in a striking red Alexandre Vauthier silk wrap gown, Bella Hadid showcased her leggy allure with a daringly high side split that ascended all the way to her waist (Credit: WENN)

In May 2016, the then-19-year-old supermodel inadvertently showed off way too much skin when her gown’s pelvic-bone-high slit slipped a notch and revealed her equally skimpy underwear.

The addition of black strapped Giuseppe Zanotti heels added height to her already statuesque frame, allowing her ensemble to do the talking as her gown's train billowed gracefully behind herThe addition of black strapped Giuseppe Zanotti heels added height to Bella Hadid’s already statuesque frame, allowing her ensemble to do the talking as her gown’s train billowed gracefully behind her (Credit: WENN)

Reflections on Fashion: Bella Hadid’s Vogue Interview

In a Vogue interview in 2021, the model reflected on her noteworthy fashion moments, including the sleeveless Alexandre Vauthier gown worn at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

She admitted feeling a bit “embarrassed” by the iconic look, which featured a plunging neckline and a daring hip-reaching skirt slit, expressing her nervousness about the appearance and her camera exposure.

Bella Hadid stole the spotlight at the premiere of "The Unknown Girl" during the Cannes Film Festival when she wore a crimson Alexandre Vauthier Couture gown, which garnered widespread attention from the media and onlineBella Hadid stole the spotlight at the premiere of “The Unknown Girl” during the Cannes Film Festival when she wore a crimson Alexandre Vauthier Couture gown, which garnered widespread attention from the media and online (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

“OK so this is apparently a very iconic red dress moment,” Hadid admitted. “I was nervous in this dress. I look very sexual and all these things. I was still nervous about cameras and nervous about having a lot of makeup on.”

“I kind of get embarrassed of this moment still, even though the dress is gorgeous,” she added. “It’s just, again, doesn’t feel so much like me, and I think that this was the start of the ‘Bella’ persona that everyone sees of me. That’s my alter ego. That’s Belinda.”

“I’m just so the opposite of her,” she concluded. “She’s very va-va-voom. You know, bless her. Love her. She was very nervous.”

Bella Hadid's ensemble was provocatively complemented by a plunging neckline at the screening of “La Fille Inconnue” during the 69th Cannes Film Festival Bella Hadid’s ensemble was provocatively complemented by a plunging neckline at the screening of “La Fille Inconnue” during the 69th Cannes Film Festival in France on May 18, 2016 (Credit: WENN)

This dress left very little to the imagination. Bella kept noticeably tugging at the bodice of the piece, too. As a red carpet pro at this point, you would think Bella would remember to use styling tricks, like double-sided tape.

Bella Hadid's dress, with its daring thigh-high split, drew comparisons to Jessica Rabbit's iconic red gown and is likely to be remembered as one of the most iconic gowns to grace the Cannes red carpetBella Hadid’s dress, with its daring thigh-high split, drew comparisons to Jessica Rabbit’s iconic red gown and is likely to be remembered as one of the most iconic gowns to grace the Cannes red carpet (Credit: WENN)

Stylist Insights: The Making of an Iconic Dress

Bella’s stylist, Elizabeth Sulcer, told Vanity Fair that the dress resulted from a collaboration with Alexandre Vauthier, featuring a built-in silk bodysuit and requiring top-stick tape for secure wear.

Despite the potential challenges with movement, Bella’s confidence and smart demeanor made the dress a standout.

“We knew we wanted to create something really beautiful and iconic in collaboration with Alexandre Vauthier. He is an amazing friend and talent in the industry. Every aspect of the dress was planned,” she said.

“The dress has a built-in silk bodysuit. Top-stick [tape] is always a good idea. Practice makes perfect,” Sulcer added.

Bella Hadid's lustrous brunette tresses were elegantly swept into a sleek up-do, while a loose fringe delicately framed her stunning featuresBella Hadid’s lustrous brunette tresses were elegantly swept into a sleek up-do, while a loose fringe delicately framed her stunning features (Credit: WENN)

The Aftermath: Lessons Learned and Lasting Impressions

Anyway, this dress is from Alexandre Vauthier’s Spring 2016 collection. The piece is couture, which means it can’t be purchased online.

That’s probably for the best since most of us would commit the same wardrobe malfunction. She wore the red dress with Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Harmony” sandals and De Grisgono’s “Gocce” earrings.

Bella Hadid experienced a wardrobe malfunction when a gust of wind exposed her underwear while wearing a red Alexandre Vauthier gown with a high slit on the red carpetBella Hadid experienced a wardrobe malfunction when a gust of wind exposed her underwear while wearing a red Alexandre Vauthier gown with a high slit on the red carpet (Credit: WENN)

Let’s hope Gigi Hadid’s big sister has learned her lesson.