She wore it first: Amber Valletta reclaims the jungle dress that JLo made famous

Amber Valletta revived the iconic Versace jungle dress she first modelled, reminding everyone she wore it first

Amber Valletta turned heads at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York when she arrived in the legendary green Versace jungle dress, the same gown that Jennifer Lopez made world-famous at the 2000 Grammys. What many forget is that Valletta was the first woman ever to wear the piece, modelling it down the Versace runway before JLo’s red-carpet moment changed fashion forever.

The supermodel stepped onto the carpet in the same tropical print, a nod to her long history with the Italian label. She accessorised with gold jewellery and wore her hair in soft, loose waves, channelling both nostalgia and glamour. The gown, originally from Versace’s Spring/Summer 2000 collection, remains one of the most recognisable designs in fashion history.

Fans quickly noticed the symbolism. On social media, comparisons between Valletta and Lopez flooded in, with many users pointing out that Valletta was the original. One viral post read: “Amber walked so JLo could stun.” Others praised her for reclaiming her place in fashion history, calling it a “full-circle moment done right.”

In an interview on the carpet, Valletta admitted it was her first time ever wearing the piece publicly. “I’ve never worn my dress out in public. This is the first time I’ve ever worn it on the red carpet,” she said, smiling as cameras flashed. Her appearance also doubled as a tribute to Donatella Versace, who received the Positive Change Award at the event.

The reaction online was a mix of awe and appreciation, with fans calling Valletta’s choice “timeless” and “empowering.” While Lopez may have made the gown a global phenomenon, Valletta reminded everyone who debuted it. The night was less about rivalry and more about legacy, a moment when fashion history folded back on itself, perfectly tailored and unapologetically iconic.