**Maisie Williams Pays Stylish Homage to Sandra Bullock at ‘Practical Magic 2’ Premiere**
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Maisie Williams has made headlines recently for her unforgettable fashion choices during promotional events for ‘Practical Magic 2’, where she decided to draw inspiration from the iconic wardrobe of her co-star Sandra Bullock. By rewearing some of Bullock’s most celebrated red carpet outfits straight from the actress’s own collection, Williams has paid a stylish tribute to her on-screen mother.
At the European premiere of the sequel, Williams donned a stunning custom-made burgundy dress by Ellie Misner, reminiscent of the gown Bullock wore at the premiere of ‘Forces of Nature’ back in 1999. This choice not only reflected Williams’s appreciation for Bullock’s fashion legacy but also highlighted her own flair for elegant style.
The following day, Williams continued her homage by wearing a gown specially designed for Bullock over a decade ago, which was originally showcased at the 2006 premiere of ‘Infamous’. Recalling her admiration for the Oscar-winning actress, Williams stated, “She’s such a fashion icon. She’s worn some incredible looks, and she’s done some really fun things on the red carpet. It was nice to pay homage to that.”
Modern celebrities recognizing and reinterpreting fashion from previous decades seem to be a growing trend. One notable instance occurred at the 2022 Met Gala when Kim Kardashian donned the legendary champagne sequin gown famously worn by Marilyn Monroe to serenade President John F. Kennedy. Kardashian lost an impressive 16 pounds over three weeks to fit into the original dress, which prompted much discussion in the fashion community. Post-event, concerns arose about the condition of the gown, with some claiming it had sustained damage while in Kardashian’s possession; however, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum that owns the dress denied any such claims.
Similarly, actress Keke Palmer made a significant fashion choice at the 2025 SAG Awards by choosing an archival Chanel gown that Jamie Lee Curtis had previously worn in the mid-80s. With stylist Molly Dickson sharing a nostalgic look at Curtis in the dress on social media, Palmer’s decision to wear the classic piece was met with admiration.
Reese Witherspoon’s influence continues to resonate through the present generation of stars as well. Lexi Minetree, who plays a younger version of Witherspoon’s beloved character Elle Woods in the prequel series to ‘Legally Blonde’, sported several outfits reminiscent of her predecessor during promotional appearances. Notably, Minetree wore the pink Marc Jacobs dress that Witherspoon donned at the 2001 film premiere, with the actress commenting on how she still has her wardrobe stored away, reflecting the strong connection to her past roles.
Madonna’s long-lasting impact on pop culture was evident when Sabrina Carpenter made an appearance at the 2024 MTV VMAs dressed in a sparkling Bob Mackie dress originally worn by the Queen of Pop at the 1991 Oscars. This connection came full circle when Carpenter later collaborated with Madonna on a new song, signaling a blend of past and present in contemporary music and fashion.
At the same event, Halsey showcased an iconic leopard-print dress from 1996 designed by Gianni Versace, originally worn by Elizabeth Hurley. Halsey’s excitement about finding the dress, which had remained unworn for many years, highlighted her appreciation for the history behind the garment.
Sydney Sweeney also made headlines at the 2024 Vanity Fair afterparty by wearing Angelina Jolie’s memorable ivory Oscars gown from 2004. The stylist for the event, Molly Dickson, emphasised that Sweeney’s look was cultivated to honour the film industry’s fashionable past as she created a “special moment” with the satin ensemble.
Even posthumous tributes were evident when South African singer Tyla stepped out at the MTV European Music Awards in a blue version of Aaliyah’s yellow dress, previously worn at the 2000 VMAs. Tyla has often expressed her admiration for the late singer, further showcasing how the legacy of iconic figures in music continues to inspire new artists.
Lastly, Zendaya’s tribute to Cher during the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was not to be overlooked. Sporting a breathtaking skin-baring piece by Bob Mackie, a designer known for crafting Cher’s most memorable outfits, Zendaya confidently embraced the daring aesthetic that characterises both women.
The repeated nods to fashion history observed through these contemporary stars reflect a vibrant discourse within the fashion industry, where younger generations pay homage to legends while simultaneously carving their unique identities. As Williams exemplifies with her tributes to Bullock, the connections forged through style serve as a testament to the industry’s ever-evolving legacy.