Hayden Panettiere Buys Golden Globes Dress, Stirs Controversy

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Hayden Panettiere made a big splash on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards in the most unusual way on Sunday night.

The "Nashville" star opted for a black and white gown by Tom Ford, and in doing so, Panettiere broke what is considered a Hollywood fashion faux pas.

During red carpet events, most celebrities "borrow" what is usually a custom-made outfit from designers themselves, and Ford had allegedly only dressed actress Naomi Watts.

However, Panettiere reportedly spent her own money on the black and white Tom Ford number, which had to have been purchased straight off the rack.

"It's the first time I've ever worn [Tom Ford], because I've been begging…" the actress explained to E! News while at the Golden Globes. "I feel sexy in it, I feel comfortable in it, and I'm in Tom Ford. I would wear a plastic bag if it was designed by him."

Remarkably, in having actually bought her own Golden Globes dress, Panettiere set off snarky remarks on Twitter- including from journalist Jim Shi who confirmed that Ford had only dressed Naomi Watts at the event.

"Tom Ford confirms to me he ONLY dressed #NaomiWatts tonight," Shi wrote on Twitter. "Hayden Panettiere BOUGHT her Tom Ford dress at RETAIL. Tsk, tsk."

Although Ford did not dress Panettiere, the famed designer complimented her for wearing it with a kind note and flowers. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Panettiere shared a snapshot of gift from Ford on Twitter.

"Such an honor to wear one of this man's masterpieces! Thank you for the beautiful flowers," the actress captioned the photo, which revealed Ford's note, reading: "Dear Hayden, You Looked Beautiful Last Night. Thank You For Your Kind Words. Much Love, Tom."

The photo also revealed what appeared to be two dozen white roses.

Meanwhile, Panettiere is not the only celebrity to shine a light on what really happens on the red carpet. Kate Hudson recently admitted that she could never afford what is often worn at high-profile fashion events.

"People think we own all these dresses," she said while speaking to Harper's Bazaar magazine. "But we borrow them! I can't afford to buy that stuff."

Hudson went on to explain that there are only "certain things I splurge on."

"I wish I could but the truth is things are just so expensive," she said of the high-end fashion world.