Amber Valletta reminded everyone why the Versace Jungle Dress became one of fashion’s most unforgettable looks. The 51-year-old supermodel arrived at the CFDA Fashion Awards 2025 in New York wearing the same green, jungle-print gown she modeled on the Versace Spring/Summer 2000 runway — Jennifer Lopez’s design later became a global sensation at the 2000 Grammys.
Speaking to Vogue on the red carpet, Valetta said, “Coming to the CFDA Awards makes me feel extra special because I’m in the Versace Jungle dress and I’ve never worn my dress in public. This is the first time I’ve worn it on the red carpet and so I’m really excited to be in the magical dress.”
For Valetta, this moment was not just about nostalgia, but personal. She also shared some clips on her Instagram Stories.
Honoring Donatella Versace’s Influence on Fashion
Valetta revealed that she wore the gown to pay tribute to Donatella Versace, who was awarded the CFDA’s Positive Change Award for her philanthropy and impact on global fashion. “And being honored is Donatella who thoroughly deserves the Positive Change Award for all her philanthropy,” People magazine quoted Valetta as saying.
The event, organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and led by Chairman Thom Browne and CEO Steven Kolb, brought together some of the biggest names in the industry. But Valetta’s look – both vintage and symbolic – made headlines.
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Amber Valletta’s iconic look
According to People, when Valetta first wore the plunging jungle-print gown in 1999, it was already a statement. But it was Jennifer Lopez who made it iconic by attending the 2000 Grammys. This moment was so talked about that it is believed to have inspired Google to launch Google Images.
Lopez talked about it on her YouTube series Fashion Moments: “I put on the green dress and come out, and Benny says, ‘That’s it. That’s it. Don’t even talk about it. That’s the dress.'”
Years later, Lopez repeated this look several times. Donatella Versace also wore her own version to the Met Gala in 1999. Other stars like Tyra Banks and Lisa Rinna have paid homage to this dress in their own ways.
Reflecting on her legacy in 2023, Valetta told Vogue, “I think this dress has been Googled more times than any other look in history – it literally broke the internet when she wore it. It feels good to be a part of that history.” Then she smiled and said, “I wore it first.”
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FAQ:
1. What did Amber Valletta wear to the CFDA Awards 2025?
She wore her original Versace jungle gown from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection.
2. Why is the Versace Jungle Dress so famous?
Jennifer Lopez’s appearance at the 2000 Grammys made it an iconic pop culture moment.
3. Who received the Positive Change Award at the CFDA Awards 2025?
Donatella Versace received honor for her philanthropic contributions.
