2001: Julia Roberts

Back in 2001, Julia Roberts was already a superstar. Her most notable roles up to that point include Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, and Erin Brockovich. The lattermost, in particular, led to her winning an Oscar for Best Actress in 2001. To accept the award, she went to that year’s Academy Awards ceremony in the now-iconic black and white dress designed by fashion legend Valentino. The dress was floor-length with a black body. A single white stripe ran down the dress’s front, which then split into a Y-shape pattern and fanned out on the back.

Roberts’ gown at the occasion drew widespread praise and acclaim from critics and fans. Valentino himself credits the dress as the high point of his long career in fashion. As for the screen star, her stellar appearance on the carpet solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s best actresses.