L’HISTOIRE: Kate Hudson's Chanel Couture and Baby Bump at the 2003 Venice Film Festival
At the premiere of her film Le Divorce, the actor embraced her pregnancy in a stylish way rarely seen at the time.
L’HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.
What goes best with a growing baby bump? Evidently Chanel. Once upon a time, a visibly pregnant Kate Hudson turned heads at the 2003 Venice Film Festival, stepping out for the red carpet premiere of Le Divorce with then-partner Chris Robinson. Hudson has donned numerous memorable looks over the years—like that unforgettable yellow gown in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days to that sheer number at the Almost Famous premiere. But this ensemble in particular signified a bold, boundary-pushing shift in women’s maternity wear.
The actor’s lilac two-piece look is from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2003 Couture collection. Her ensemble featured a halter-style top and a matching maxi skirt, both crafted with sheer mesh that allowed her baby bump to peek through. Hudson’s golden locks were pulled back, drawing attention to her soft, lavender-toned makeup. She finished the look with silver drop earrings, a matching bracelet, and a crisp white clutch in hand. Hudson’s look exuded a quiet, yet confident statement of glamour and body positivity.
Following Demi Moore’s iconic 1991 Vanity Fair cover, in which she posed nude while pregnant, a cultural shift had commenced in the years after. Women were now categorically rejecting the outdated traditions of modesty surrounding maternity. Hudson’s moment added to that evolution, paving the way for today’s expectant celebrity moms. Although her look is on the subtle side by today’s standards of celebrity maternity style, it was quite revolutionary for its time. 
Today’s it-girls like Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, and Megan Fox have all set new maternity wear trends after proudly showing off their baby bumps in crop tops, sheer fabrics, and bodycon silhouettes.
Recreating Hudson's skin-baring look requires two main things: confidence and boldness. Go for a lilac feather-trimmed crop top and matching skirt by Miu Miu that'll show your midriff. Accessorize with a pair of droplet silver earrings and a bracelet for an elegant touch. Finish off the ensemble with a small white clutch and a pair of purple sandals to tie it all together.
