Dua Lipa Resurrected Early ’90s Alaïa on SNL

This year has been almost entirely red carpet-free. And yet, thanks largely to Dua Lipa, 2020 has still had a few serious fashion moments. On this past weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live, the singer squeezed in one final treat: She resurrected a cheetah-print Alaïa bustier that’s scarcely been seen in 29 years. Like the string of cheetah-print looks that followed, atop supers like Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell, it was an instant hit.

What’s more, Lipa gave the bustier the chance to shine; it was largely obscured by a black blazer when Yasmeen Ghauri made its debut. The look kicked off a string of cheetah prints worn by supers like Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell, all of which were an instant hit. Their popularity endures; Kim Kardashian wore head-to-toe fall 1991 Alaïa during Paris Fashion Week last year. (The same goes for Alaïa’s spring 1991 collection, which was the inspiration for Normani’s tartan ensemble in the “WAP” video.)

The Alaïa bustier was just one of four standout looks Lipa squeezed in on Saturday night. (Not counting the military uniform she wore to peg Bowen Yang in a skit.) Lipa’s stylist, Lorenzo Posocco, also dug up a 1981 Mugler “vampire dress” that’s rare enough to go for $18,000 on 1stdibs. And then there was a truly massive quantity of couture Valentino: Lipa performed “Levitating” in an enormous ostrich-feather hat and ivory gown long enough to stretch from floor to ceiling.

Posocco’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. His work with Lipa has inspired a thriving Twitter fanbase, which turned Lipa’s SNL fashion choices into an opportunity to appreciate her wardrobe’s banner year. “We may not have gotten assistance from the government to live during this pandemic but at least Dua Lipa’s stylist Lorenzo Posocco has provided us with so many stunning looks,” one fan tweeted. Another kept it short and sweet: “Lorenzo Posocco is GOD SENT.”

Related: Dua Lipa on Gender Fluidity, Sensory Deprivation Tanks, and Her Signature Scent