When it comes to Salma Hayek, remember this: Always expect the unexpected — especially when it comes to her red-carpet fashion. Between the years she rocked only mismatching two pieces to some of the most glittering gowns we’ve ever seen, it seems like the Oscar-nominated actress has rocked every trend before it’s become a trend on the red carpet.
While she’s one of the biggest A-listers today, and one of the biggest style icons of our time, things weren’t always so easy for the star. She previously told Vogue, “I had trouble getting clothes, and I couldn’t afford it on my own. The other girls were getting people to lend them clothes, but nobody thought a Mexican was going to stick around, so why to give me a dress. Things have changed a lot since then.”
They certainly have, and Hayek embraces that. In a previous interview with Vogue India in 2021, Hayek talked about how she used her insecurities to work with her, making her fashion and confidence bloom. “Make the things that should work against you work for you. As a woman, this is a virtue that we have to learn,” she quipped.
From showstopping looks to daring ensembles, Hayek knows how to make sure all eyes are on her when she steps out onto the red carpet. In honor of her birthday today, let’s see all of our favorite looks Hayek has rocked on the red carpet below!
A version of this article was originally published on Dec 2022.
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Fire Hot (2024)
Salma Hayek arrived at the Gucci Women’s Fall Winter 2024 Fashion Show during Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 in this red-hot ensemble of a pencil skirt and a leather jacket/ purse combination.
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Angelic at the Academy Museum Gala (2023)
Salma Hayek looked absolutely breathtaking at this year’s 2023 Academy Museum Gala in this ivory figure-hugging dress and the Ruban Diamants headband from Boucheron.
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Balenciaga Babe (2023)
Salma Hayek looked as cool as ever at the Balenciaga Fall 24 Show in this figure-hugging black mini dress from the brand paired with bright pink Barbie-core accessories.
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Beautiful for Baby2Baby (2023)
For the 2023 Baby2Baby Gala, Salma Hayek looked beyond beautiful in this sparkling, figure-hugging green gown.
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Metallic Marvel at LACMA (2023)
Salma Hayek’s metallic, ombre Gucci gown was easily one of the best, and most showstopping, looks from the 2023 LACMA Gala.
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Glimmering in Gold for the World Monuments Fund’s 34th Annual Hadrian Gala (2023)
For the World Monuments Fund’s 34th Annual Hadrian Gala on Oct 2023, Salma Hayek looked enchanting in this shimmering gold three-piece suit!
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Wowing in White (2023)
On Sept 13, Salma turned heads in this figure-hugging, custom white gown from Standing Ground for the premiere of El Sabor de la Navidad.
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Marvelous in Maroon (2023)
For the 2023 Kering Caring for Women Dinner, Salma instantly enchanted fans with this high-slit, maroon sparkling Gucci dress.
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Beautiful in Black (2023)
At the 2023 “Kering Women in Motion Award” in May 2023, Salma Hayek looked gorgeous in this sparkling black ensemble.
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Marvelous in Mauve (2023)
Salma Hayek turned every single head at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival when she arrived in this plunging, deep purple mermaid gown from Alexander McQueen.
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Mystifying at the Met (2023)
All eyes were on Salma Hayek when she arrived in this leather, ruffled red Gucci gown for the 2023 Met Gala.
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Black Silk Beauty (2023)
For the 2023 Time100 Gala, Salma Hayek turned heads in this silky black and navy gown from Gucci.
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Fiery Femme Fatale (2023)
Salma Hayek stole the show in this fiery hot, dazzling red dress from Gucci at the 2023 Oscars.
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Stunning in Teal at Paris Fashion Week (2023)
Salma Hayek looked ultra-chic at the Saint Laurent Fashion Show during Paris Fashion Week on Feb 28 in this figure-hugging teal dress and black blazer.
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Biker Babe Vibes at the BRITS (2023)
On Feb 11, Salma Hayek turned every single head in this leather, rocker-chic Alexander McQueen gown at the BRIT Awards, which she paired with YSL platform boots and statement jewelry.
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Sexy for the ‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance’ Premiere (2023)
Salma Hayek embodied sexy glam at the Magic Mike’s Last Dance premiere on Jan 25. At the event, the actress wore this black fishnet mesh dress with matching black underwear underneath. She then perfectly paired the look with a slicked-back ponytail, golden jewelry, and a green clutch.
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Golden for Golden Globes (2023)
For the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Salma Hayek turned heads in this sparkling, figure-hugging gown that no one could take their eyes off of.
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Cinderella Vibes (2022)
On Dec 13, Salma Hayek channeled Cinderella when she stepped out in this jewel-encrusted, baby-blue Alexander McQueen gown with a tulle train. For the premiere of Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, she decided to go all out by pairng the princess-like look with Boucheron jewelry.
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Dark & Mysterious at DuJour (2022)
Salma Hayek went with her go-to style of rocking a dark, lacey and dramatic gown: this time wowing in a ruffled, tiered black Giambattista Valli gown for DuJour Media’s 10th Anniversary.
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Showstopping in Red (2022)
Okay, but everyone lost it when Salma Hayek made it to the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in 2022, especially when she arrived in this curve-hugging red silk gown from Vivienne Westwood.
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Glittering in Gucci (2022)
When you think of Salma Hayek, chances are that you picture her in something sparkly and in something Gucci —and the 2022 LACMA Gala was no different! Hayek instantly made it to the top of every best dressed list when she rocked this peach and olive glittering ombre gown from Gucci with matching gloves.
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High Slit & Velvet (2022)
Salma Hayek knew she was making temperatures rise with this high-slit, purple velvet Gucci gown ay this 2022 BAFTAs (where she nearly had a wardrobe malfunction!)
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Switching Out the Dark Look (2022)
Once again, Salma Hayek knows how to rock a ruffling gown, and this white one she wore for the celebration of Edward Enninful’s new memoir A Visible Man was the definition of ethereal.
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Old Hollywood Glamour (2022)
At the 2022 Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women dinner, Salma Hayek channeled old Hollywood glamour in this feathered, sparkling black Gucci gown.
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Pretty in Pink (2022)
For the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Salma Hayek decided to rock one of her favorite colors: pink! And boy, did she rock this silk, flowing pink dress from Gucci. Not only was there a matching cape, but she paired it with sheer matching globes and sparkling statement jewelry.
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Gucci for ‘House of Gucci’ (2021)
Did you really expect the House of Gucci star not to rock a stunning Gucci gown at the premieres? One of our all-time favorites was this Gucci ensemble of a cutout blue velvet top, with jewels on the hems and a flowing black skirt.
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All-Black for an All-Star (2021)
When Salma Hayek Pinault was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on Nov 19, 2021, she decided to bring all the drama with this puffy skirted black dress!
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Golden Goddess (2021)
This is hands-down the biggest golden goddess-Esque gown we’ve ever seen and we’re sure Salma Hayek thinks about this dazzling Gucci gown 24/7 as we do.
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Multi-Colored Dream (2021)
This hypnotic blue gown Salma Hayek turned heads at the 74th Cannes Film Festival is something out of a multi-colored dream.
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Black & Pink (2021)
Salma Hayek first rocked the ombre trend at the 10th Annual LACMA Art+Film Gala, when she dazzled in this glittering pink and black ombre Gucci gown.
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‘Eternal’-ly Glowing (2021)
Who can take their eyes off of Salma Hayek when she’s not only in another showstopping Gucci gown, but in a chic red gown?
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Rocking Red at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards (2021)
Salma Hayek reminded everyone that red is her color when she arrived to the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards in this daring Alexander McQueen gown.
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Peekaboo Chic (2021)
So this may seem like one of Gucci’s calmer pieces with the structured black gown, but if you look closer, Salma Hayek’s high slit shows a peekabo shining gold interior.
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Lovely Leopard (2021)
Salma Hayek was the pinnacle of confidence when she made her way to Jimmy Kimmel Live in this daring leopard Elie Saab suit.
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Daring in Chiffon (2020)
For The Roads Not Taken photocall, Salma Hayek went back to one of her favorite styles, especially turning heads in this daring sheer, black Alexander McQueen Resort 2020 chiffon look.
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Unique Necklines (2020)
Salma Hayek loves two things with her fashion: pristine lines and a super unique neckline — both of which are seen on this stellar dress she wore back in 2020.
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Goddess Vibes (2020)
Okay, we know Salma Hayek has played goddesses on screen before but this dress proves she’s an IRL goddess! She took everyone’s breath away when she arrived at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards in this custom Gucci white one-shoulder gown.
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After-Party Switcheroo (2020)
Then Salma Hayek decided to switch things up by hanging up her draped white goddess dress for this fun and flirty sequined blue mini-dress for the after party!
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Suit Up! (2020)
Salma Hayek knows how to rock a suit, especially this dark and sexy Saint Laurent’s Spring 2020 collection one.
Hayek told Vogue India that she wore suits early in her career because designers refused to dress her. “I’m Mexican. I’m also very short, which doesn’t help with the weight and doesn’t help with the design. But you know, I was ingenious. I took chances. I met someone at Hugo Boss, who was the only connection I had, so I wore man suits for a while.
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Glamorous in Gucci (2020)
Both pristine and curve-hugging, this blue and white Gucci dress Salma Hayek rocked on the red carpet of the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards still lives in our minds rent-free.
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Lovely at LACMA (2019)
Salma Hayek combined chicness and daring threads together for this custom Gucci pink bonded microcrystal and leather halter gown. For the 2019 LACMA Art + Film Gala, she went all out by pairing it with matching black accessories like a black clutch and pumps.
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Campy & Confident (2019)
For the 2019 Met Gala, Salma Hayek wowed everyone with this elaborate, glittering gold custom dress from Gucci with a matching star crown.
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Going Back to Gucci (2019)
Seriously, Salma Hayek and Gucci must be the best of friends because she yet again rocked this dark and sexy one-shoulder black Gucci gown (which she paired with an ornate Gucci headpiece and jewelry!)
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Keeping It Dark (2019)
Salma Hayek kept it subtle and delicate with this black Gucci gown with a chandelier-Esque jewel detailing by the neckline at the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival.
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Glowing in Gold (2018)
Salma Hayek brought the glamour with this Gucci gold gown at the 2018 LACMA Art + Film Gala.
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Baby-Blue Beauty (2018)
Salma Hayek knows she’s a princess, and this custom baby-blue Gucci gown she wore at the Kering Women In Motion dinner during the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival only proves that.
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Gray Hair, Don’t Care (2018)
This tiered, sparkling pink and ruffled Gucci gown Salma Hayek wore to the 90th Annual Academy Awards is one of our all-time favorites (and we love the fact that she showed some of her natural gray hair on the red carpet as well!)
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Queen of Afterparty Dress Changes (2018)
The Queen of afterparty dress changes struck once again when she stepped out in this matching, rose gold scalloped two-piece for the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
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Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala (2018)
For the legendary 2018 Met Gala theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala, Salma Hayek decided to channel Nirvana in this ornate Altuzarra gown.
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Flirty & Floral (2018)
Not only is the silhouette on this black custom Gucci gown magnificent, but the glittering floral detailing throughout only accentuated Salma Hayek’s gorgeous curves.
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Green Gucci (2018)
Salma Hayek brought the drama and grace in this elaborate, emerald green ball gown from Gucci!
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Bold & Elegant (2017)
Even with her more casual looks, Salm Hayek calls Gucci and this Peter Pan-collared dress with hot pink detailing must be a favorite in her closet.
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Bold in Blue (2017)
This glittering blue Gucci gown is the definition of bold, but Salma Hayek knew how to rock it effortlessly.
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Blonde & Blue (2017)
Remember when Salma Hayek rocked a lighter hair bob haircut? Well, she knew how to style that as well when she picked out this baby-blue, detailed Gucci gown for the 70th Anniversary Dinner.
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Mesmerizing in Menswear (2017)
Back at the 2017 Chopard Trophy photocall, Salma Hayek ensured all eyes would be on her when she stepped out in this menswear-inspired Saint Laurent Fall 2017 look.
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Pink & Yellow Chic (2017)
Only Salma Hayek could effortlessly combine pink and yellow in a stylish way when she turned heads in this Gucci gown for the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
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Alexander McQueen Queen (2017)
We really hope Salma Hayek rewears this stunning, black Alexander McQueen ballgown at some point.
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Casual Glamour (2017)
Back in 2017, Salma Hayek showed everyone that her casual style is just as glamorous as her red carpet fashion when she arrived in this red mini-dress for the How to Be a Latin Lover press conference.
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Red Velvet Stella McCartney Suit (2017)
For the Stella McCartney show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2018, Selma Hayek looked sensational in this red velvet suit.
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Dramatic Details (2016)
For the 2016 Fashion Awards, Salma Hayek brought her fashion A-game with this floral dress that has a high slit and bejeweled snake design throughout the waist.
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Turning Heads at ‘Tale Of Tales’ (2016)
Salma Hayek really pushed the boundaries of fashion with this ornate, printed, and pearl-encrusted Gucci gown for the premiere of Tale Of Tales.
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Sheer & Floral (2016)
At the 2016 LACMA Art + Film gala, Salma Hayek looked sensational in this sheer black Gucci gown with black panels throughout and detailed floral accents.
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Angelic at the LACMA Art + Film Gala (2014)
Salma Hayek can rock every color, especially an angelic white like this Gucci gown.
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Ready to Party in Gucci (2013)
For the 2013 Golden Globes afterparty, Salma Hayek looked ready to party in this sparkling black and bowed Gucci gown.
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Art Deco (2012)
We’re seriously getting Great Gatsby, Art Deco vibes from this dazzling Gucci gown Salma Hayek wore at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
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Gorgeous at the Goya Cinema Awards (2012)
No matter the place, no matter the time, Salma Hayek knows how to look insanely gorgeous in a dark Gucci gown.
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Woman in Black (2011)
Okay, this LBD Salma Hayek rocked is giving us 2018 Met Gala meets high-end Ed Hardy, ya feel?
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Statuesque in Silver (2011)
How has this sparkling silver Gucci dress Salma Hayek wore to the 64th Cannes Film Festival not a statue somewhere?
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RED-y for Her Close-Up (2011)
This red leather Gucci look Salma Hayek wore for the Puss In Boots photocall is so sensational, we still think about recreating that feathered jacket daily.
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Gold & Pink Gown (2010)
Salma Hayek looked insanely stunning in this baby pink Gucci dress with gold detailing at the Palais des Festivals.
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Ornate Alexander McQueen (2010)
Who could forget when Salma Hayek wowed in this intricate Alexander McQueen mini-dress?
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LPD (Little Purple Dress) (2009)
Now we’ve seen some stellar LBD from Salma Hayek, but get ready for the LPD — little purple dress she rocked while accepting an award at the 2009 ALMA Awards.
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Simple & Chic (2009)
At the 2009 Golden Globes, Salma Hayek kept it chic and simple in this wrapped, beige Bottega Veneta dress.
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Reflective in White (2008)
No one could take their eyes off of Salma Hayek when she stepped out in this reflective white gown for the Hollywood Domino game launch.
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Everything All Black (2008)
No one quite rocks a black suit like Salma Hayek does, and no one can quite rock a pristine all-black look like she does (and did at the Sir Richard Branson Charity Event!)
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Shining Star (2006)
At the 78th Academy Awards, Salma Hayek turned heads in this shining blue Atelier Versace gown.
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Runway Ready (2005)
Everyone did a double take when Salma Hayek walked down the runway ay the 2005 Cannes Film Festival in this daring black and red gown.
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Presenting Prowess (2000)
When she was set to present for the 72nd Academy Awards, Salma Hayek took everyone’s breath away in this form-fitting silk lilac dress, which she paired with a glittering clutch and tulle shawl.
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Channeling ‘Clueless’ (1999)
The Clueless-esuque furry baby blue set and the opulent sapphire jewelry? Everyone knew immediately that Salma Hayek would become a style icon.
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Rocking the Two-Piece (1999)
On May 20, 1999, for the 52nd annual Cannes International Film Festival, Salma Hayek arrived in a white two-piece and shawl, a trend she rocked for a few years.
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Experimentalist to the Max (1999)
Salma Hayek was super experimental with her fashion, especially when she first came to Hollywood.
“When you’re young, you can get away with a lot,” Hayek told Vogue. “I had trouble getting clothes, and I couldn’t afford it on my own. The other girls were getting people to lend them clothes, but nobody thought a Mexican was going to stick around, so why give me a dress. Things have changed a lot since then.”
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Curve-Hugging in Hervé Leger (1998)
Chances are you’ve seen Salma Hayek rock this curve-hugging lilac mini-dress from Hervé Leger at the Lethal Weapon 4 premiere.
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LBD at the MTV Movie Awards (1996)
Salma Hayek reinvented the LBD trend by making it sleeker and sexier at the 1996 MTV Movie Awards.
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Fiery in Red (1995)
When you think about Salma Hayek’s red carpet fashion in the 1990s, chances are that this fiery red dress that accentuated her curves is the first thing that comes to mind!
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Woman in White (1995)
Salma Hayek looked like a goddess in this form-fitting white slip dress at the Sinatra: 80 Years My Way celebration!
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