7 Hollywood stars who recycled their red carpet outfits: from Meghan Markle’s Nonie trench dress on tour with Prince Harry and Cate Blanchett’s Alexander McQueen top, to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Gucci suit

Feb 27 , 2023

Celebrities including Cate Blanchett and Gwyneth Paltrow have re-worn outfits from their past. Photos: Reuters; Getty Images; FilmMagic

Years ago, re-wearing an outfit on the red carpet might have been frowned upon, but times have changed: today, celebs champion sustainability at events, like Laura Dern who wore a dress three times

Jane Fonda sported her Elie Saab gown at Cannes and at the Oscars, while the Joker’s Joaquin Phoenix had no problem collecting multiple prizes in the same Stella McCartney tuxedo

A decade ago, any Hollywood star would be mocked for wearing the same outfit on the red carpet more than once. “Repeat offender” the headlines would scream. But the fashion industry has evolved and celebrities have come a long way, embracing a culture of sustainability.

From Gwyneth Paltrow to Jane Fonda, we look at how celebs have salvaged designer items from years back to create a longer-lasting fabulous look.

1. Gwyneth Paltrow – Tom Ford for Gucci

Gwyneth Paltrow first wore the striking red suit at the 1996 MTV Music Awards in New York. Photo: FilmMagic

In 1996, while attending the MTV Music Awards, Gwyneth Paltrow wore a ruby velvet Tom Ford for Gucci suit. The look became one of her most iconic fashion moments at the time. The Avengers star wore what looked to be the same suit, styled exactly as it was in 1996 to the Gucci Love Parade in Hollywood in 2021.

Gwyneth Paltrow arrives at the Gucci Love Parade in November 2021 in California. Photo: Getty Images

While the suits look identical, the luxurious velvet outfit most recently worn was designed by Gucci’s then-creative director Alessandro Michele, per Vogue. The suit was for Gucci’s 100th anniversary runway show and was part of the 2022 spring collection. Years later, Paltrow still looks incredible in statement ruby.

2. Cate Blanchett – Alexander McQueen bodice

Cate Blanchett attends the Winner’s Room at the BAFTAs in February 2016. Photo: Getty Images

Back in 2018, Cate Blanchett was among a handful of Hollywood celebrities who spoke positively about recycling outfits. She told The Hollywood Reporter that it “seems wilful and ridiculous that such garments are not cherished and re-worn for a lifetime”. In 2016, the actress stunned onlookers in an Alexander McQueen bodice.

Cate Blanchett re-wears her gorgeous Alexander McQueen top at the 77th Venice Film Festival in September 2020. Photo: Reuters

The intricately embroidered top was teamed with a feathered skirt. Fast forward to 2020 and she kept the eye-catching bodice and swapped out the skirt for a pair of tailored trousers and heels at the Venice Film Festival red carpet. McQueen’s creation certainly proved to be the gift that kept on giving.

3. Jane Fonda – Elie Saab gown

Jane Fonda attends the opening ceremony and the Grace of Monaco premiere during the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival in May 2014, in Cannes, France. Photo: FilmMagic