Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman: Elegant Opera Dress-20 years

Vivian’s Red Gown from Pretty Woman (1990) 

 

The red gown symbolized Vivian’s increased value to Edward but also her own newfound self confidence, on display for the world.

Roberts’ now iconic laugh at Gere’s closing of the jewelry box was an improvisation done to get her into character as her spirits were down due to the recent breakup of her and Dylan McDermott’s engagement.

Marilyn Vance’s sketch of the red dress, the opera Vivian and Edward see, La Traviata, mirrors the story of their relationship.

Pretty Woman, skyrocketed Julia Roberts into stardom and required Roberts to live up to the film’s title.  This meant that costume designer Marilyn Vance had to create a wardrobe in which Roberts would look good as both a common prostitute and aristocratic girlfriend. The gown that prostitute Vivian wears while accompanying playboy millionaire Edward to the opera had to be dazzling to both the character and the audience.  Vance created an off the shoulder fitted gown that flared down to billowing chiffon, paired with fitting white opera gloves. Vance had to fight to have to gown dyed red, director Gary Marshall insisted on black, stating that red would clash with Roberts’ flaming locks.  Vance had three gowns made into red black and white for Marshall to approve, the two ultimately deciding on red. While Roberts’ sweeping hairdo might not have lasted the test of time, Vance states that several times a year husbands order exact replicas of the iconic dress for their wives from Western Costumes, the pattern’s owner.