Elizabeth Hurley a shock as her underwear is exposed

Ever since she arrived on the scene in a spectacular Versace dress 14 years ago, Liz Hurley has specialised in the revealing outfit.

But until now, she has never picked a frock that defied gravity.

As she hosted a charity event in New York, the hem of her dress slowly began to ride up.

Wardrobe malfunction: Elizabeth Hurley speaks to the crowd, unaware her underwear is on show at the Bloomingdale's Goes Pink launch last night

Going, going...Elizabeth Hurley's dress appeared to react adversely to static generated by the hot pink carpet and rose up to reveal her nude coloured undies

Eyes front: Elizabeth with Leonard A. Lauder of company Estee Lauder

All eyes were drawn to the garment as it revealed more and more of the shapely Hurley pins.

Eventually, it rose so far that a full view was afforded of her 'nude underwear' - designed to avoid unsightly panty lines - as the 43-year-old model and actress kept talking into the microphone.

Finally, she realised what had happened and clasped her head in horror.

It was one of the most spectacular wardrobe malfunctions since 2000, when Judy Finnigan's top fell open during the National Television Awards to reveal her bra to 10million viewers.

Last night's fashion mishap also invoked memories of Liz's other memorable wardrobe malfunction, when she arrived at a wedding wearing a slashed to the waist dress and revealed her leopard print underwear.

Although on that occasion, the fashion faux pas appeared somewhat deliberate.

Thankfully she has toned down her racy taste in underwear since that moment.

According to fashion experts, Miss Hurley should have foreseen what might happen.

Static electricity from a thick synthetic carpet combined with new shoes and silky tights can easily cause a flimsy dress to head north. The wise model uses an underskirt or strategic pin.

This morning it appeared Liz had learnt her lesson, stepping out in a sensible pair of trousers.

How Liz planned to look in her hot pink knee length frock as she stepped out in New York last night

The actress was at a Breast Cancer fundraiser in New York.

She was flipping the switch to turn the prestigious store's lighting pink. The Estee Lauder model was in the Big Apple to take part in the launch of Bloomingdale's month-long breast cancer campaign.

The 122-year-old department store will be illuminated in pink all month as well as hosting numerous fund-raising activities and selling products with proceeds going towards cancer charities.

Last night, Hurley joined forces with Bloomingdale's CEO Michael Gould and cancer survivor and cartoonist Marisa Acocella Marchetto to switch on the pink lights.

Hurley is a passionate supporter of breast cancer charities after losing her grandmother to the disease in the 1970s.

She has appeared in public service announcements urging women over 40 to have regular mammograms and has released a special edition lipstick with Estee Lauder with proceeds going to the cause.

She said: 'My grandmother had breast cancer, as have a number of my friends. Now, more than ever, it is important to get the message out.

'Survival rates are rising, and each year we get closer to a cure. If breast cancer is detected early, it is 98 percent curable.'