Halle Berry Re-Wears Her 2002 Oscars Naked Dress on the Elie Saab Runway | Marie Claire

Halle Berry poses with her Actress in a Leading Role Oscar for "Monster's Ball" at the 2002 award show, wearing a maroon naked dress from Elie Saab

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Kelsey Stiegman

By Kelsey Stiegman

published 14 November 2024

Halle Berry's burgundy Elie Saab dress is to her what the tropical print Versace gown is to Jennifer Lopez. Over the years, it has become recognized as the actor's greatest look of all time and, like J.Lo, Berry has reprised the iconic design on the runway.

On Nov. 13, the actor took the stage at Elie Saab's 1001 Seasons runway show, an event celebrating the brand's 45-year anniversary, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While Jennifer Lopez performed in a new, glittery bodysuit, Berry wore a number from Saab's newest collection. A press release said the lineup aims to "reinterpret the classic tales through a modern, luxurious lens." Berry's specific gown was a recreation of her 2002 Oscars dress, worn to accept the Actress in a Lead Role Academy Award for her performance in Monster's Ball.

Halle Berry poses with her Actress in a Leading Role Oscar for "Monster's Ball" at the 2002 award show, wearing a maroon naked dress from Elie Saab — Halle Berry walked the red carpet at the 2002 Academy Awards wearing a burgundy Elie Saab confection.

Saab's modern-day interpretation was virtually identical to the original design, with a few small modifications. It featured the same sheer, mesh bodice and billowing skirt made of iridescent burgundy fabric. The low waist, however, was tightened a bit, giving it a high-rise look. Meanwhile, the dress's floral embroidery was updated with sparkling sequins.

halle berry re-wears her 2002 oscars dress on the runway for elie saab. — Twenty-two years later, Berry modeled a modernized version for Elie Saab's 45-year anniversary.

Berry looked unbelievably elegant, with her dark hair tied up in a sleek ballerina bun that showed off her sparkling earrings. Her makeup was bronze and glowing, with wine red blush that mimicked the tones of her dress. It was a major contrast to her 2002 glam, which included a glossy lip and a Berry's hairstyle of the era: a spiky pixie cut with baby bangs.

Halle Berry poses with her Actress in a Leading Role Oscar for "Monster's Ball" at the 2002 award show, wearing a maroon naked dress from Elie Saab — Berry wearing the original dress in 2002.

"There are some moments in life that just happen and they change our lives forever," Berry wrote on X. "Winning an Academy Award in my @ElieSaabWorld gown was one of those moments for me! Thank you Mr. Saab for being a part of the tapestry of my life as we have been inextricably connected for 22 years now!"

"It was my honor to celebrate you and your 1001 Seasons," she continued. "Here’s wishing you many more glorious years of joy, creativity and glamour!"

Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance fashion editor and writer, specializing in e-commerce and fashion news. With more than ten years of experience in digital media, Kelsey has a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. At Marie Claire, she provides witty celeb style commentary, unpacking the style choices of stars like Zoë Kravitz, Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, and her fashion superhero, Rihanna. When she’s not tracking the personal style of Hollywood’s elite, Kelsey also covers designer collabs and industry news.

Before taking her talents to Marie Claire, Kelsey was the Senior Fashion Editor at Bustle, where she oversaw the site’s fashion coverage and launched a successful luxury handbag series called Secure The Bag. Prior to Bustle, she came from a six-year stint at Seventeen, during which she managed the team’s fashion and beauty verticals and led e-commerce strategy. In her freelance era, Kelsey contributes to publications like InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and more. She also offers consulting services and content creation, in addition to writing and editing. Follow @klstieg on Instagram for 'fit pics and travel recommendations.