The story behind Gwyneth Paltrow's iconic pink Oscars dress

When it comes to the most iconic Oscars dresses of all time, there's no doubt about it - Gwyneth Paltrow's infamous pink Ralph Lauren gown is right up there with the very best. In fact, twenty five years later, it's still one of her most talked-about looks. No small feat considering it dates back to 1999, and given the resurgence of 90s fashion trends in recent years it's no wonder that it continues to inspire.

Gwyneth wore the floor-length dress to the 71st Academy Awards where she picked up the prestigious golden statuette in the Best Actress category for her performance in Shakespeare In Love. The bubblegum pink taffeta gown was created by Ralph Lauren and features spaghetti straps, a V-neckline and full skirt. The simplicity of the cut means it has stood the test of time while symbolising everything that was iconic of that fashion era. She wore it with a matching pink shawl and a Harry Winston diamond choker, bracelet and earrings set.

It's said that at the time, Gwyneth didn't work with a stylist and simply went to Ralph Lauren a few days prior to the event to pick something out. It originally came with a corset-like top, which was switched for the more wearable one we know and love.

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According to reports, she didn't want to put too much pressure on herself and simply wanted to 'look really sweet' - and it definitely worked. On the red carpet, she even told a reporter: "If you think about how much people are talking about something as silly as a dress, I think it would make me absolutely incapable of leaving the house. So I just tuned it all out and wore what I thought was pretty."

While the dress still divides some people (her mother Blythe Danner was said to hate it), it is largely still loved by most to this day, and it looks like its story is set to carry on. Gwyneth told The Hollywood Reporter that her daughter is welcome to it for her prom, hoping that it will get its time to shine once again, explaining: "Maybe she’ll wear it to prom and do a Pretty in Pink thing and resew it and cut it up".

Lucky girl.

How to watch the Oscars 2024 in the UK?

The Oscars will air in the UK in the late hours of Sunday 10th March, kicking off at 11pm and running until 3am GMT on Monday 11th March. For the first time, UK viewers can watch the Oscars 2024 on ITV with the ITVX streaming platform airing red carpet footage from 9.30pm GMT, and ITV1 broadcasting the Oscars Live at 10.15pm GMT.

Here at Marie Claire UK, we'll be bringing you all the best red carpet outfits plus live reporting of all the must see moments of the night. Follow our Instagram for the latest updates. 

Make sure to check out all the Oscars Academy Awards Nominees 2024, while you're here.