Blake Lively captivated attendees at the ‘It Ends With Us’ premiere by donning a dress originally worn by Britney Spears in 2002.
The actress, aged 36, paid tribute to the iconic pop star during the event held in New York City. Lively showcased a stunning Versace gown, which was first presented on the runway by the 42-year-old singer as part of Versace’s spring/summer women’s 2003 collection in Milan.
The multicolored dress was elegantly complemented by her choice of shiny heels.
In an interview with ET’s Rachel Smith at the premiere, Lively expressed her admiration for Spears and the inspiration she draws from the legendary artist’s vintage style. “For so many reasons, Britney has meant so much to me. To see a woman who works so hard,” Lively remarked. “As a millennial girl, Britney was the ultimate reason you want to sparkle and shine and be your most vibrant self.”
Lively further stated, “I couldn’t believe I found it. This dress should be in the Met.” Prior to the premiere, she also honored the “…Baby One More Time” singer on her Instagram Story with a heartfelt message. “The ultimate queen who made us all want to sparkle and write and share our stories,” Lively wrote, sharing a joyful image of Spears in the same dress. “Britney, us millennials all have a story of a moment, or of years that you made us want to shine and inspire awe, with strength, and joy and immensely hard work. Thank you for your example and your contribution to women telling their stories. So excited about your Biopic and all you have to come.”
Lively shares the excitement surrounding the upcoming Spears biopic, which was announced recently after Universal Pictures acquired the rights to Spears’ bestselling memoir, The Woman in Me. Acclaimed director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians, is set to helm the project. At the premiere, Lively was accompanied by her husband, Ryan Reynolds, aged 47.
The couple has four children: daughters James, aged 9, Inez, aged 7, and Betty, aged 4, along with their son Olin, who is 1 year old. They were accompanied by their close friend, Hugh Jackman, 55, who is also a co-star of Reynolds in the films Deadpool and Wolverine. Lively is featured in a new romantic drama adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel of the same name. In this film, Lively plays the role of Lily Bloom, a recent college graduate from a small town who relocates to Boston with aspirations of establishing a flower shop. Justin Baldoni, 39, is both directing the film and acting alongside Lively as her romantic partner, neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid. Additionally, Jenny Slate, 47, appears as Allysa Kincaid, who is both Lily’s close friend and Ryle’s sister. The 2016 novel draws loosely from Hoover’s own experiences during her childhood and addresses issues related to domestic abuse.
It Ends With Us is set to premiere in theaters on Friday.
