The Iconic Dior Newspaper Dress: From Carrie Bradshaw to Modern Red Carpets
A John Galliano design for Dior, first seen in the early 2000s, continues to be a sought-after fashion statement, reinterpreted by celebrities decades later.
The distinctive newspaper print dress, originally designed by John Galliano for Dior, has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with celebrities and fashion enthusiasts embracing the iconic garment more than two decades after its debut.
First featured in the early 2000s, the dress gained significant recognition when worn by Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in the television series Sex and the City. In the show, the dress played a role in a pivotal scene where Bradshaw confesses her affair with Mr. Big to his wife, Natasha.
Galliano, then at the helm of Christian Dior, introduced the newsprint motif during his Spring 2000 Haute Couture collection. The design incorporated press clippings from the International Herald Tribune, including reviews of his own work. The collection, titled "Hobo," drew inspiration from homelessness and the 1920s and 30s "Tramp Ball" trend, where society figures adopted the aesthetic of the homeless for events. This original iteration sparked controversy and protests, leading Galliano to issue an apology.
He later refined the concept for Dior's Autumn/Winter ready-to-wear collection that same year. Among the looks was an asymmetric, bias-cut silk newspaper print dress that would become famously associated with Carrie Bradshaw. While several versions of the dress were created, the version worn by Parker in Sex and the City became particularly memorable.
More recently, the enduring appeal of the dress has been highlighted by its adoption by various public figures. Art historian Alexandra Leclerc was seen wearing the design at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, styling it with contemporary accessories. Actress Jenna Ortega donned the iconic dress for the premiere of Hurry Up Tomorrow in 2025, pairing it with gold stiletto sandals.
Other notable appearances include Ines de Ramon, girlfriend of Brad Pitt, who attended the US Open in a variation of the newspaper print dress featuring a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. Fashion influencer Emily Ratajkowski and model Ashley Graham have also been photographed in similar Galliano-era Dior newspaper print designs. A guest was also seen wearing a newspaper print dress during Milan Fashion Week on February 27, 2026.
These appearances underscore the lasting impact of Galliano's design, demonstrating its continued relevance as a statement piece that continues to be reinterpreted by a new generation of style icons.