Roland Mouret's Galaxy Dress: From Icon to Echo

Roland Mouret's famed Galaxy dress, a symbol of late 1990s and early 2000s fashion, was born from a simple design insight: extending a seam cost no more and created a full outfit. Its distinctive industrial back zip became a signature, worn by stars like Beyoncé and Halle Berry, and it offered a comfortable yet sharp silhouette.

The dress was designed to embody equality, inspired by Mouret's personal explorations and his desire to create a female equivalent to a man's suit. It was famously lined with power mesh for a sensational unzipping experience. While celebrities like Catherine, Princess of Wales, opted for versions without the zip for security, the dress remained a popular choice for years.

In recent times, the Galaxy dress's silhouette has been adopted by 'Maga women,' a trend Mouret views as decadent and reflective of societal fear. His new autobiography, 'I Am Roland Mouret - The Butcher's Boy Who Dressed the World,' chronicles his life and career, including the unexpected political connotations of his creation.

Mouret's brand faced administration in 2021, and he now identifies as a queer artist, focusing on his technique rather than his name. The original Galaxy dress, once £1,750, is now available on resale sites for around £200, marking the end of an era for the designer's direct involvement with his namesake label.