Wardrobe Mishaps in Hollywood’s Iconic ‘Pretty Woman’ Outfits
“Pretty Woman” is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s most iconic films that made Julia Roberts a household name. The movie’s success can be attributed not just to its storyline, but to the impeccable fashion sense of the characters, especially Vivian Ward. Vivian’s transformation from a sex worker to a sophisticated lady is not just heartwarming but a visual delight as well. However, several wardrobe mishaps occurred during the filming of the movie that may surprise you.
The most significant wardrobe malfunction occurred during the opera scene, where Vivian wore a red off-the-shoulder gown designed by Italian fashion designer, Valentino Garavani. In the scene, Richard Gere playfully snaps the lid of the jewel box, which was supposed to slam shut. However, the lid didn’t shut entirely and hit Julia on the head, causing her to momentarily flinch. The entire sequence was filmed in one take, and the director, Garry Marshall, decided to keep the shot in the movie, making it even more memorable.
Another curious mishap occurred during a scene where Vivienne was seen dressing up and trying on different outfits, while the song “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison played in the background. During one take, Julia couldn’t get out of her high-waisted brown shorts, leading to a hilarious moment of her trying to hop around on one leg. The scene was kept in the film, and in retrospect, it adds to the character’s charm and relatability.
In a scene where Vivian goes to the polo match, she wears a knotted white shirt and a brown belted skirt. The outfit looked stunning but was not comfortable to wear, especially on a hot summer day, which is when the scene was shot. Julia revealed in an interview that she had to keep adjusting her skirt, which was sticking to her sweaty thighs, and she was worried about falling in her high heels. Despite the discomfort, she managed to look flawless on screen, showcasing her professionalism.
Another noteworthy moment was the red dress Vivian wears for a night out at the hotel. The dress was designed by costume designer Marilyn Vance, who had sourced it from a vintage store in Los Angeles. However, when Julia tried on the dress, it was too tight for comfort, and there was no time for alterations. The solution was a bit of body tape to keep the dress in place, and the rest is history.
In conclusion, wardrobe malfunctions are not unusual in the film industry, and “Pretty Woman” was no exception. The mishaps mentioned above made the characters more relatable and human, and the scenes more memorable. The cast and crew’s professionalism, quick thinking, and attention to detail ensured that the film’s fashion legacy lives on.