Anne Hathaway pulled off one of 2024's most talked-about red carpet moments by wearing a custom Gap shirt dress — dripping in Bulgari diamonds — to a jewellery gala inside one of Rome's most iconic monuments.
Anne Hathaway's Surprise Gap Look at the Bulgari Aeterna Event
At the Bulgari Aeterna High Jewelry Brand Event held at the Altare della Patria in Rome on May 20, 2024, the actress known for The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada arrived in a look no one expected. Rather than couture, Hathaway stepped onto the red carpet in a custom piece rooted in everyday American style.
The dress was crafted from organic cotton and designed by Zac Posen — Gap's newly appointed creative director and executive vice president. Posen drew inspiration directly from Gap's signature button-down shirt, transforming it into an asymmetrical, single off-the-shoulder gown with a structured silhouette. Buttoned detailing and a slight waist dart gave the piece a feminine, tailored edge that read as anything but casual.
How Stylist Erin Walsh Built the Full Look
Stylist Erin Walsh layered the ensemble with precision. Underneath the custom Gap gown, Hathaway wore a white corset and black pleated shorts — adding depth to the silhouette while keeping the outfit grounded in contemporary style. She completed the look with Christian Louboutin Kate pumps, a silver clutch, and an array of Bulgari jewels that anchored her role as a brand ambassador.
Gap described the design in a press release: "The dress is quite similar to the shirt collar and placket but it is more girlish and has the slight waist darting and a corset in the dress colour." The label dubbed the aesthetic a "Roman Holiday" look — a nod to Audrey Hepburn, brought forward with a modern twist.
A Gap Dress You Can Actually Buy
The custom creation won't stay exclusive for long. Gap confirmed plans to offer a retail version of the dress on its website — without the shorts element. The move fits squarely within the brand's repositioning strategy: classic silhouettes reimagined as a canvas for personal expression.
Hathaway's appearance at the Bulgari Aeterna event shows how a single styling choice — pairing a heritage high-street brand with luxury jewels on one of fashion's most prominent stages — can reshape how the public sees both labels at once.
