The Chainmail Dress: How cold, hard mesh became a firm fashion favourite
If there ever was a party outfit that's garnered an A-list fanbase over the years, it's the chainmail dress. And to the average eye, it might be hard to see why...
Chainmail isn't the first fabric that comes to the fore when you think of fashion favourites; it doesn't have the romantic feel of lace nor the luscious sophistication of silk. It's cold, hard and mesh, yet somehow its appeal is enduring... But why?
Unapologetically cool and undeniably sexy, the chainmail dress has become a statement piece since its first whirl in the 90s, when Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell stepped in out in matching Versace mesh minis. Noughties icon Paris Hilton revisited the look a few years later in 2002, wearing a barely-there, skimpy version to her 21st birthday, complete with a diamanté choker.
Flash forward fourteen years and the chainmail dress has made a resurgence for 2017. Michelle Obama was triumphant in a gold Atelier Versace version for the final dinner of her and Barak's administration last year, supermodel Kendall Jenner rocked a glittering $9,000 LaBourjoisie version for her 21st birthday and Emily Ratajkowski wore one to Paris Fashion Week SS18 season, out-sexying everyone in the process.
We're predicting it'll be the dress of choice for party season (though a warm coat is also advisable) - will you be getting your metal on?
Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss in 1999
Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss attended the De Beers/Versace Diamonds are Forever party wearing matching chainmail (both Versace), thus becoming poster girls for the trend.
Getty ImagesParis Hilton at her 21st birthday in 2002
No dress was more apt for Paris Hilton's 21st birthday celebrations. The socialite went super skimpy in this glittering version, completed with a diamante choker.
Getty ImagesKim Kardashian at Balmain spring/summer 17
Kim Kardashian went for layers of gold and silver chainmail in this Balmain dress for the label's spring summer 2017 show.
Getty ImagesMichelle Obama with Barak for their final state dinner in 2016
In what's sure to be a historical fashion moment, Michelle Obama wowed in a gold Atelier Versace chainmail gown for the final dinner of her and Barak's administration.
FlynetKendall Jenner for her 21st birthday celebrations
Kendall Jenner opted for a barely-there LaBourjoisie dress (costing $9,000) for her 21st celebrations. People naturally made comparisons with Paris Hilton's fourteen years earlier.
Splash NewsBella Hadid's 20th birthday
For her 20th birthday, Bella Hadid turned heads in a chainmail top and skirt combo with star-shaped nipple pasties. Not technically a dress, but an iconic chainmail moment no less.
Getty ImagesJourdan Dunn at the 2016 MTV EMA Awards
Jourdan Dunn looked every inch the supermodel in a chainmail style long dress with sheer panelling for the EMAs.
Gigi Hadid at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2016 afterparty
Gigi Hadid glowed at the Victoria's Secret show afterparty in an asymmetrical, gold Versace gown.
Lily Donaldson at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2016 afterparty
For the same night, Lily Donaldson opted for this chainmail floor-length number.
Getty ImagesKylie Jenner at the Golden Globes 2017 afterparty
It was about time that Kylie Jenner rocked a chainmail style like her sisters. To the Golden Globes 2017 afterparty, Kylie wore a custom LaBourjoisie dress.
Rex FeaturesEmily Ratajkowski at Paris Fashion Week spring/summer 2018
Emily has no trouble making outfits look sexy, and that was exactly the case when she stepped out in a vintage, gold chainmail, Morphew cocktail dress. Woah.
REXMargot Robbie at the I, Tonya premiere
Many of the most iconic chainmail moments come courtesy of Versace, and it was no different for Margot Robbie at the I, Tonya premiere wearing a gold wrap dress with a chunky belt at the waist.
