Was 1999 a simpler time? With dumber phones and fuss-free styling, Y2K-era nostalgia has been strong, and its fashion is no exception. The late ’90s was a unique blend of bold experimentation and carefree aesthetics, a time when fashion was both accessible and audacious.
One of the standout moments from this era was the daring red-carpet look worn by Salma Hayek at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999. Hayek’s ensemble—a baby-blue short-sleeve cardigan fastened with just two buttons, revealing a hint of bra underneath—paired with a flowing satin skirt—was a bold statement that would not raise an eyebrow today but was quite shocking at the time.
At the amfAR Gala, Hayek accessorized her look with a silver clutch and extravagant sapphire and diamond jewelry, showcasing her flair for combining elegance with a touch of casual. The juxtaposition of her fuzzy knit cardigan with a glamorous satin skirt was a refreshing take on red-carpet fashion, setting her apart from other attendees who opted for more traditional looks.
Voluminous silhouettes were a trend at Cannes that year, with stars like Geraldine Chaplin and Catherine Zeta-Jones donning dramatic gowns. However, Hayek’s choice to mix casual with couture made her stand out. Her self-styled look, which she later described as a “look-at-me combination,” was a testament to her creativity during a time when she had limited resources for dressing up.
Reflecting on her iconic look, Hayek shared that she had chosen the outfit herself, taking a chance on a style that was unconventional for the time. “It was taking a chance… I took a sweater that’s supposed to be [worn] with something underneath,” she recounted in a Vogue video, highlighting her innovative approach to fashion.
Early Self-Styling
By the time Hayek made her memorable appearance in 1999, she had already established herself as a trendsetter. At the 1998 MTV Movie Awards, she adorned a simple little black dress with painted butterflies, cleverly embracing the temporary tattoo trend while avoiding the expense of jewelry. This playful spirit was evident in her fashion choices, showcasing her ability to blend creativity with resourcefulness.
In her earlier Academy Awards appearance, Hayek made headlines by wearing a tiara, defying conventional wisdom that deemed it “ridiculous.” Her boldness in fashion choices often set trends, even if she didn’t always receive credit for them. The suggestive cardigan she wore at Cannes has since become a nostalgic staple, with modern brands like Reformation reviving the look by pairing similar cardigans with satin skirts.
While Hayek’s daring cardigan was not the sole pioneer of the cropped style—characters like Rose McGowan in the cult classic *Jawbreaker* and stars like Drew Barrymore and Christina Aguilera also embraced it—it was a standout choice for the Cannes red carpet, known for its strict dress codes. The festival’s recent announcement banning nudity and voluminous dresses highlights the evolving nature of red-carpet fashion, yet Hayek’s creative combination remains timeless.
Today, as designers like Jacquemus and celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber continue to embrace cropped cardigans, it’s clear that the spirit of the late ’90s lives on. Hayek’s effortless blend of casual and chic encapsulates the fun and easy-going essence of Y2K fashion, reminding us that sometimes, the boldest choices are the ones that resonate the most.
