Some things are so nice you have to do them twice (at least), according to Alexa Chung. The model proved she’s no stranger to outfit repeating when she stepped out at the Venice Film Festival this week wearing a very familiar dress.
On Wednesday, Chung arrived alongside her fiancé Tom Sturridge in a sleeveless Elvis Presley-printed number with the King’s face blown-up across the fabric. Styled with oversized sunglasses, leopard print thong heels, the dress was unmistakably Alexa - quirky, bold, and with just the right touch of irony.
But sharp-eyed fashion watchers might recall the look from before. The piece comes from Ashley Williams’ Autumn/winter 2013 collection, and Chung first wore it back in September 2023 with tights and sling backs at the designer’s Spring/Summer 2024 show in London.
If Cate Blanchett is the red carpet poster woman for outfit repeating - re-wearing archive Armani and McQueen as a sustainability statement - then Alexa is offering a more playful, tongue-in-cheek take on the concept. She makes it fun, leaning into the joy of clothes you actually love enough to reach for twice.
The Elvis dress is also a reminder of Ashley Williams’s novel sense of style. Known for her literal, almost bratty graphics - ‘I’m a crybaby’ tops, ‘I Love Me’ slogans, and meme-ready accessories, Williams carved a space in British fashion for humour and irreverence. Williams is a maverick in her own right. Rihanna has worn her designs, and the British Fashion Council has also awarded her its prestigious NewGen prize in 2014.
Chung has always had a knack for spotting tongue-in-cheek pieces that balance irony with chicness - her lace skirt paired with Balenciaga shoes, and this dress, are perfect examples.
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..
Main Image Credit: @alexachung @Splash