Bella Hadid has drawn comparisons with Britney Spears after wearing a sheer lace minidress following the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on 18 October 2026. The outfit recalled Spears' appearance at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, prompting discussion about the similarities between the two looks and whether they shared the same designer.
'Are you blind? That's not even the same dress,' one commenter wrote in response to the comparison. Another commenter, @xaoticna, questioned the Dolce & Gabbana association, writing: 'Not to defend her but this is not Dolce.'
Bella Hadid, who previously accused Dolce & Gabbana of racism, sexism, bigotry, and xenophobia in January,
— 21 (@thegala21) October 19, 2026
Wore a vintage dress by the brand that Britney Spears wore in 2001, ahead of the Victoria’s Secret show. pic.twitter.com/ZK8yqrmQ7e
Fans Debate Bella Hadid's Britney Spears-Inspired Look
Hadid's outfit featured a long-sleeved, high-neck minidress made from sheer lace, with black lingerie visible underneath. She completed the ensemble with pointed-toe heels and sunglasses, creating a look reminiscent of early-2000s celebrity fashion.
Spears wore her now-famous lace dress at the 2001 VMAs, pairing it with a black bra and boyshorts. Designed by Dolce & Gabbana, the ensemble became one of the singer's recognisable red-carpet looks, combining delicate lace with visible underwear.
The outfits share several visual features, particularly their sheer lace fabric and lingerie-inspired styling. Differences in their proportions and presentation give each look its own character.
Fashion Inspiration Versus Exact Recreation
Hadid's appearance has also raised questions about the designer of her dress and whether the outfit was intended as a tribute to Spears. Fashion coverage has drawn attention to the resemblance, but the reporting reviewed does not identify Hadid's minidress designer.
Celebrity fashion frequently revisits memorable styles from previous decades, with designers and stylists drawing on archival collections, vintage silhouettes and famous red-carpet appearances. Spears' 2001 VMAs dress remains a recognisable example of early-2000s celebrity fashion, combining sheer lace with visible lingerie.
Dolce & Gabbana's Controversial History
The mention of Dolce & Gabbana in the comparison also brings the fashion house's wider public history into view. In November 2018, Dolce & Gabbana faced a major backlash in China after releasing promotional videos showing a Chinese woman attempting to eat Italian food, including pizza and pasta, with chopsticks. Critics accused the campaign of relying on cultural stereotypes, and the backlash contributed to the cancellation of the fashion house's planned Shanghai show.
The controversy intensified after screenshots circulated online that appeared to show co-founder Stefano Gabbana making derogatory remarks about China. The company said his account had been hacked, and Gabbana and co-founder Domenico Dolce later issued a public video apology. Several retailers also withdrew the brand's products amid the backlash. It must be noted, however, that the controversy is distinct from the current fan debate, which centres on whether Hadid's outfit resembles Spears' earlier look.
britney spears vma 2001 .⋆♱⃓ pic.twitter.com/I1J1Czc6c7
— allan 𐦍 (@allanminatozaki) February 4, 2026
Britney's Enduring Fashion Influence
Spears' appearance at the 2001 VMAs remains a familiar reference point in discussions about early-2000s celebrity fashion. The combination of sheer lace and visible lingerie gave the ensemble a distinctive look that continues to attract attention in fashion retrospectives.
Hadid's outfit has brought that earlier fashion moment back into the conversation, with readers weighing the shared aesthetic against the differences in styling. Until further details emerge, the central questions remain whether the garments are more than visually similar and whether Hadid's outfit was intended to reference Spears' famous look.
