L’HISTOIRE: Selena's Showstopping Lillie Rubin Gown at the Grammy Awards in 1994
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez made her Grammy debut in an intricately beaded gown that's since inspired artists like Kali Uchis.
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.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known mononymously as “Selena,” remains one of the most iconic Latin artists in history. Beyond her groundbreaking music, she was a trendsetter with a fashion sense that was ahead of its time. At her first Grammy Awards in 1994, she embraced her signature style with a red carpet twist on her trademark, eye-catching bustiers. True to the down-to-earth charm that endeared her to fans, she found the now-iconic dress not in a high-end boutique, but at a mall.
The late Tejano singer dazzled in a breathtaking white evening gown designed by Lillie Rubin, accentuating her figure. The gown featured intricate silver beading and embellishments, a striking halter neckline, an open back, and a pristine winged bodice that added to its elegance. She completed the look with satin white heels and a voluminous, tousled ’90s updo. A bold red lip—her signature—added the perfect pop of color. Today, the original gown is preserved at the Quintanilla Family’s Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas, where fans can admire this and many other iconic outfits from her legendary career. The look has since inspired Latin musicians like Kali Uchis.
The “Queen of Tejano Music” was the first artist in the genre to win a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album for Selena Live! at the ceremony. She was later honored by the Grammys with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. Her impact extends beyond music, with Jennifer Lopez portraying her in the 1997 biopic Selena and fellow Texas native Selena Gomez bearing her name. The trailblazer was also more than just a singer—she was a savvy businesswoman and entrepreneur with a deep passion for fashion.
Selena launched her own boutique chain, named Selena Etc., collaborating with friend and designer Martin Gomez, whom she reportedly promised to help make famous. While music was her career, fashion was her true dream, and she had ambitious plans to expand into childrenswear and even pursue a college degree. Known for her bold onstage costumes, Selena cemented her style status further with the unforgettable purple jumpsuit she wore during her final televised performance, just a month before she was murdered by Yolanda Saldívar (who was denied parole on the thirtieth anniversary of Selena's death).
To emulate Selena’s regal ensemble from the 1994 Grammys red carpet, go for Helsa’s Amber dress or the Bobbi gown by Lovers and Friends to capture the gown’s glamorous allure. Accessorize with a pair of square toe satin pumps and dangly droplet earrings. Finish off with a bold red lipstick and pull your hair into a '90s updo.
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