Katie Couric Mocks Lauren Sánchez’s Wedding Gown: “Apparently Tacky Is Back”

Lauren Sánchez may have envisioned timeless elegance when she chose a custom Dolce & Gabbana lace gown for her high-profile wedding to Jeff Bezos in Venice, Italy, but not everyone agreed—including one of America’s most respected journalists.

Katie Couric, award-winning broadcaster and New York Times best-selling author, stunned many by publicly mocking Sánchez’s wedding look. The pointed remark, made on social media, ignited a digital firestorm around the newlywed’s fashion choice—and revealed deep divisions over style, taste, and the scrutiny facing women in the public eye.

Sánchez, a former broadcast journalist herself, wore a dramatic, high-neck lace gown with long sleeves and a form-fitting mermaid silhouette. The all-over Italian lace design marked a notable departure from her typical red-carpet choices. As she told Vogue, it was the first time she wore a formal evening dress that didn’t show cleavage. “So elegant, it’s timeless,” Sánchez said of the gown.

But Couric saw something else entirely.

Responding to a Vogue cover photo of Sánchez shared by Jack Schlossberg—grandson of President John F. Kennedy and son of Caroline Kennedy—Couric delivered a scathing critique: “Welcome to the eighties — when big hair and conspicuous consumption ruled. Apparently tacky is back.”

Schlossberg had already offered a sarcastic take, captioning the image “Like I said … vogue,” a remark many interpreted as a jab at the fashion magazine’s choice to feature Sánchez. Couric’s comment landed about an hour later, only to be followed by another playful remark from Schlossberg: “Let’s bring back scrunchies.”

Social Media Uproar

The comment quickly spread across social platforms, drawing a wave of reactions. For some, Couric’s bluntness was refreshing. For others, it felt unnecessarily harsh—especially on a day that should have been focused on celebration.

Online commenters were equally divided.

“Awful dress, that style literally suits no one… you’re a very pretty woman, you could have done so much better,” one user wrote. Another chimed in: “So disappointed. All lace head to toe. Arms covered. In the god-awful mermaid style. Yuk.”

Yet Sánchez wasn’t without defenders. Many fans and casual observers jumped to her defense, praising her confidence and personal style.

“She owns the moment; they can only watch. Class is not subtle,” wrote one supporter. Another offered a more heartfelt reaction: “I’m pretty disappointed in so many of these comments. I know we all have a bone to pick with her husband… but for a moment — I don’t understand how people can be so cruel towards a woman who is just so happy to be married and feel beautiful in her dress, on her special day.”

The comment continued: “Why can’t we just be happy for her and wish her an eternity of joy? You truly look so beautiful and blessed. Congratulations, Mrs. Bezos.”

A Wedding in the Global Spotlight

Held on the stunning island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Bezos-Sánchez wedding was nothing short of a spectacle. Guests included a who’s who of international celebrities, from Oprah Winfrey and Tom Brady to Usher, Sydney Sweeney, and several members of the Kardashian-Jenner family.

Despite the glamour, the event wasn’t without controversy. Protesters gathered outside the lavish venue, decrying what some viewed as a display of unchecked wealth. The juxtaposition of extravagance and criticism set the tone for a weekend that, while joyous for the couple, drew intense public scrutiny.

The fashion debate surrounding Sánchez’s gown is just one facet of that scrutiny. In today’s media environment—where high-CPC keywords like “celebrity weddings,” “Dolce & Gabbana dress,” and “Lauren Sánchez style” drive headlines—the discourse often shifts from celebration to critique in an instant.

A Broader Conversation

Couric’s comment, however blunt, opens a wider dialogue about how women are judged in the spotlight—especially on significant personal days. As one user noted, the flood of critical responses says as much about the viewers as it does about the bride.

The moment raises questions: What defines elegance in 2025? Is fashion ever really timeless, or is it always tied to cultural perception? And most importantly—why do public figures, particularly women, continue to bear the brunt of scrutiny even in their most personal moments?

Lauren Sánchez has yet to respond publicly to the comments, but if her social media posts are any indication, she’s focused on celebrating this new chapter with her husband. And while opinions may vary, one thing is clear: Sánchez made a statement, both in style and spirit—and the world was watching.

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