Real gowns, unreal prices
SACHA VAN NIEKERK
FROM diamonds to pearls to haute couture of the finest fabric, when it came to creating these gowns, no cost was spared.
Whether these dresses graced red carpet events, were worn by Hollywood royalty, had been custom designed for brides with a taste for the finer things in life, it’s clear that they all have one thing in common – their exorbitant price tags.
Here are some of the most expensive gowns ever made:
The Diamond Wedding Gown $15.9m (R237m)
Of course, a wedding gown would take a top spot on the list of luxury gowns. Renee Strauss, known for her popular bridal salon in Beverly Hills teamed up with Martin Katz, who is also renowned as a designer and jeweller. Incorporating exactly 751 diamonds, the designers are in no hurry to sell their creation as it serves to promote their work.
Christian Dior $100 000 (R1.4m)
Looking edgy with a blonde, quaffed pixie cut, Charlize Theron wore a Christian Dior Couture dress to the 2013 Oscars. The face of the brand’s J’adore perfume dripped in $4 million worth of Harry Winston jewellery that perfectly paired with the white peplum gown.
Kate Winslet’s Valentino $100 000 (R1.4m)
This mint-green creation was worn by Kate Winslet at the 2007 Oscars. Picked out by her (then) young daughter, Mia, who has rather expensive taste, chose the figurehugging gown, Chopard jewellery and a vintage clutch from Bulgari. Although classic and timeless, the sash that fell elegantly over the shoulder was the real wow factor.
Danasha Luxury Gown (Main Picture) $1.5m (R22m)
Creating a dress of diamonds and gold, designer Jad Ghandour debuted the Danasha Luxury Gown at Miami International Fashion week in 2010. The couture dress has a fit and flare silhouette enhanced by the silky material, that, when worn, looks like a waterfall of silver. Incorporating 75 carats of hand-picked Antwerp, Belgium diamonds and 250g of 18-carat gold, as well as other fine materials and precious gems, it’s no wonder it carries such a hefty price tag.
Calvin Klein, Pearl Gown $150 000 (R2.2 million)
All eyes were on Lupita Nyong’o at the 2015 Academy Awards. Sauntering down the red carpet, she turned heads in a custom Calvin Klein gown with pearl-covered bodice and plunging neckline.
Made with over 6 000 pearls, the halter-neck ensemble became the centre of scandal when it was stolen from (and later returned to) the London Hotel in West Hollywood just days after she’d worn it.