‘Pretty Woman’ Turns 35: Where Is Julia Roberts’ Red Dress Today?
In Pretty Woman — the modern-day Cinderella story starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere that was released 35 years ago, on March 23, 1990 — clothes help tell the story of Roberts’ Vivian, a charming call girl who connects with Richard Gere’s hardened businessman. After beginning the film in a form-fitting, midriff-revealing dress, Vivian gets a high-fashion makeover, which culminates in her donning a red floor-length gown for an emotional trip to the opera.
One of the most recognizable costumes of the ’90s, Vogue Paris said that the red gown helped make the film “legendary” and fashion brand Reformation created a replica that fans could buy in advance of the film’s 30th anniversary. But how did the dress come to be? And where is it now?
The red dress was created by costume designer Marilyn Vance, who developed all of the film’s looks and won a BAFTA Award for her work.
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In a 2016 Hollywood Reporter essay about her work on the film, Vance said, “Vivian’s journey begins through fashion — by seeking help to change her wardrobe to fit Edward’s high-class lifestyle. Each and every outfit including the red gown was custom made for her character, because of the fashion cycle. Otherwise, things could have looked dated. We made everything couture-style. Julia was amazingly patient through all the fittings.”
Director Garry Marshall had originally wanted a black dress for Roberts, fearing a red gown would clash with the actress’ red hair, but Vance was convinced that the red-on-red look would be more striking. In a 2020 interview with Vogue Paris, Vance revealed that “before the decision was made, we ended up creating three different dresses. Poor Julia had to endure so many photos, color testing for this dress. Finally, I was able to find the right shade and convince everyone to follow my directions.”
Where is the red dress now?
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Unlike many famous pieces, which are in the hands of private collectors, the red Pretty Woman dress is in the possession of Walt Disney Archives, as Disney produced the film. Though the dress isn’t part of any permanent exhibits, Disney does periodically lend it out for museum exhibitions around the world — in 2014, it was on exhibition in London at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and in late 2023, it was shown in Seoul, Korea.
Though it hasn’t been formally confirmed, the dress may be exhibited at a 35th anniversary screening of the film in Los Angeles on Aug. 2, 2025, presented by the Disney Archives. The event, which will be held at the actual horse track where the film’s polo scenes were shot, has promised visitors “Costumes from the film on display from the Walt Disney Archives.” You can find out more and purchase tickets here.
To see where the gown might be exhibited next — and information on other exhibitions of Disney costumes and memorabilia — check out the Walt Disney Archives on Instagram and Facebook.
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