Shocking: “Pretty Woman” Secrets Revealed Including Julia Roberts’ Condition

The Making of a Rom-Com Icon

From Script to Screen: How Julia Roberts’ one condition before filming started shaped the movie

Sunday, March 23 marks 35 years since Pretty Woman’s Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) uttered those now-famous words to a Rodeo Drive shop girl after she refused to let her try on a “very expensive” dress based on her $20 streetwalker outfit and the streetwalker salary that she assumed she’d be buying it with: “You work on commission, right? Big mistake. Huge. I have to go shopping now!” Indeed, director Garry Marshall’s 1990 rom-com, celebrated for the fairy-tale love story, delivered unforgettable style moments. Featuring one of Hollywood’s most grand cinematic movie makeovers, Pretty Woman sees Vivian, with Edward Lewis’ (Richard Gere) credit card, go from uncouth to chic in a transformation spawning that iconic shopping revenge scene.

In honor of the milestone anniversary, we rounded up five lesser-known facts that may surprise you about Pretty Woman and some of the film’s most scene-stealing costumes. Everett Collection 1. The Iconic Pretty Woman Dress Only Cost $20 The barely-there dress — designed by U.K. brand Hunza G — was a budget-friendly $20 black-and-white item that, according to Roberts, was transformed by the costume department “to make it a little bit different,” as she told British Vogue during a 2024 interview. The actress also noted the less glamorous reality of the “really uncomfortable” boots. (In the movie, Edward even makes a similar painfully true statement that a safety pin is holding the boots’ zipper up. Ouch!)

Budget-Friendly Fashion: The iconic black-and-white dress that cost only $20 and the costume department’s creative touch

Julia Roberts Wore a Jacket With Her Iconic ‘Pretty Woman’ Dress to Cover Her ‘Big Butt’ Youtube 3. The Look Inspired Emma Roberts’ Halloween Costume The daring cutout dress warrants widespread recognition. However, Vivian’s entire look — complete with a newsboy cap, red coat and thigh-high boots — has also continued to permeate popular culture. In 2012, the ‘fit even inspired Roberts’ niece Emma Roberts’ Halloween costume. Youtube 4. The Red Gown Was Originally Supposed to Be Black That ruby-red ball gown that launched a thousand sighs transformed Vivian’s opera debut into a legendary moment that left Edward utterly speechless. It’s hard to even fathom director Marshall’s original, and ultimately rejected, vision of a black version — not to mention the likely change of the ruby-and-diamond necklace that stuns Vivian in the movie. 5. The Barely-There Clothing Made Roberts Uncomfortable When Roberts first signed on to the project, she declared, “I won’t be naked” — and the lack of undress paid off. “I remember [costume designer Marilyn Vance] to be very caring about how I felt in the clothes,” Roberts also revealed. “I’m not really comfortable wearing such bare things, and she was very mindful and respectful of that.”

• The Iconic Pretty Woman Dress Only Cost $20
• Julia Roberts Wore a Jacket With Her Iconic ‘Pretty Woman’ Dress to Cover Her ‘Big Butt’
• The Look Inspired Emma Roberts’ Halloween Costume
• The Red Gown Was Originally Supposed to be Black
• The Barely-There Clothing Made Roberts Uncomfortable

Vivian’s Transformation

The Look Inspired Emma Roberts’ Halloween Costume

The daring cutout dress warrants widespread recognition. However, Vivian’s entire look — complete with a newsboy cap, red coat and thigh-high boots — has also continued to permeate popular culture. In 2012, the ‘fit even inspired Roberts’ niece Emma Roberts’ Halloween costume. Youtube

Julia Roberts Wore a Jacket With Her Iconic ‘Pretty Woman’ Dress to Cover Her ‘Big Butt’ Youtube 3. The Look Inspired Emma Roberts’ Halloween Costume The daring cutout dress warrants widespread recognition. However, Vivian’s entire look — complete with a newsboy cap, red coat and thigh-high boots — has also continued to permeate popular culture. In 2012, the ‘fit even inspired Roberts’ niece Emma Roberts’ Halloween costume. Youtube 4. The Red Gown Was Originally Supposed to Be Black That ruby-red ball gown that launched a thousand sighs transformed Vivian’s opera debut into a legendary moment that left Edward utterly speechless. It’s hard to even fathom director Marshall’s original, and ultimately rejected, vision of a black version — not to mention the likely change of the ruby-and-diamond necklace that stuns Vivian in the movie.

• The Look Inspired Emma Roberts’ Halloween Costume

Source Information:

Buena Vista/Getty Images

Abe, Shinzo | Page 840 “In 1994 I was approached by the Institute of Politics at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government to be part of a program which over the years had brought in speakers ranging from Shinzo Abe, the prime minister of Japan, to Ted Turner, the founder of CNN. I thought, Oh my God … I was intimidated, yet it was hard to refuse, because they happened to catch me at just the right moment. I was so incensed at what was going on, and this was an opportunity to express my feelings about it.” Acid reflux | 868 “It’s interesting how quickly I regressed from being charmed to ‘this will never work.’ I guess I was looking for the negative, and I found it. So I left, and Jim remembers that I didn’t even say goodbye to him. I went home so distressed that I asked Renata to make me a hot dog with mustard and relish. Fuck the diet. And then when I had finished it, I said ‘I need another one.’ I ate them both in bed, with two coffee ice cream cones afterward (I can never have just one), while I read the latest issue of The Economist. I thought, No more relationships. Back to politics. Jim called several times that night, but I wasn’t ready to speak to him. I told Renata to say I was out.” Acting like a chocolate chip | 35, 53 The Actors Studio | 16, 36, 48, 87, 431 “Adam’s Rib” | 342 Adams, Bryan | 859-860 Adler, Stella | 343 Aerosmith | 877 Abzug, Bella | 229, 350-353, 399, 795, 842 “Here we were, two Jewish girls . . . Bella from the Bronx and Barbra from Brooklyn . . . who made good!” Agassi, Andre | 746-747, 795 “It was a completely unexpected relationship, and it was fun. He sent me six dozen pink and yellow roses after one dinner. He came out to the ranch. I remember playing tennis with him as my partner in doubles (don’t laugh), and I was trying so hard that I tore my meniscus. I actually heard it pop, but I didn’t want to stop, even to ice it, because I didn’t want to look like a wimp.” Aghayan, Ray | 426 AIDS crisis | 617-618, 635, 640, 730, 749, 775, 782, 816 Air Force One | 810 “Airplane!” | 656 Albright, Madeline | 826-828, 908, 958 Alda, Alan | 313, 352, Aleichem, Sholem | 545 Alexander the Great | 648 Alexandre de Paris | 219 Ali, Muhammad | 429 “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” | 405 “Alice in Wonderland” | 191, 434 “All Night Long” | 405, 531, 533 Allen, Woody | 131, 335, 709 “I was on the bill with Woody Allen, but we barely met. We were both such loners that we never said anything to each other. He would read in his dressing room, and I would read in mine.” Altman, Robert | 602 Amazon stock | 895 American

From Uncouth to Chic: The Makeover that Spawned the Iconic Shopping Revenge Scene

One of the most memorable scenes in “Pretty Woman” is Vivian Ward’s transformation from a rough-around-the-edges streetwalker to a chic, sophisticated woman. This makeover was not just a plot device but a significant cultural moment that resonated with audiences. Vivian’s first appearance in the film is marked by her disheveled appearance, wearing a worn-out dress and tattered coat. However, with the help of Edward Lewis’ credit card, she undergoes a complete wardrobe overhaul.

Vivian’s shopping spree on Rodeo Drive is a pivotal scene that showcases her newfound confidence and style. The transformation begins with a black-and-white dress that, although initially budget-friendly, is enhanced by the costume department to create a striking look. The film’s costume designer, Marilyn Vance, played a crucial role in this transformation. Vance’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that Vivian’s outfits not only reflected her evolving character but also set the tone for her journey from a woman on the streets to a lady of high society.

The iconic red coat and thigh-high boots became symbols of Vivian’s empowerment and newfound status. These items, combined with her polished makeup and hair, created a look that was both powerful and elegant. The shopping scene is not just about clothing; it’s about Vivian reclaiming her identity and asserting her worth. This transformation is a testament to the film’s exploration of themes like self-discovery, empowerment, and the redemptive power of fashion.

Redemption through Fashion: How Emma Roberts’ Halloween Costume Paid Homage to Her Aunt’s Iconic Look

Emma Roberts, niece of Julia Roberts, paid a heartfelt tribute to her aunt’s iconic role in “Pretty Woman” by dressing as Vivian Ward for Halloween in 2012. Emma’s costume was more than just a nod to the film; it was a celebration of the impact Vivian’s character has had on popular culture. The costume included a daring cutout dress, a newsboy cap, a red coat, and thigh-high boots, all of which are signature elements of Vivian’s look.

Emma’s tribute highlights the enduring influence of “Pretty Woman” on fashion and pop culture. Vivian’s style has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless fashion trends and references in media. The character’s transformation from a streetwalker to a high-society lady has resonated with audiences for decades, making her a timeless icon. Emma Roberts’ costume is a testament to the film’s lasting impact and the way it has seeped into the collective consciousness.

Beyond the Halloween costume, Vivian’s look has been referenced in various forms of media, from television shows to music videos. The film’s fashion choices, designed with a keen eye for detail, have become ingrained in pop culture. This enduring influence is a testament to the power of storytelling through fashion, where clothing becomes a character in its own right, driving the narrative and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Breaking Down Barriers: Julia Roberts’ Self-Consciousness and How the Jacket Helped Her Overcome It

Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Vivian Ward in “Pretty Woman” is a career-defining role, but it wasn’t without its challenges. One of Roberts’ personal concerns during the filming process was her self-consciousness about her appearance. In an interview with British Vogue, Roberts revealed that she felt uncomfortable with the barely-there dress she wore in the iconic shopping scene. To address this, she decided to wear a jacket to cover up, a decision that not only helped her feel more at ease but also added a layer of authenticity to her character.

The jacket, which Roberts wore to cover her “big butt,” as she described it, became an integral part of Vivian’s transformation. It served a dual purpose: it made Roberts feel more comfortable, and it added a realistic touch to Vivian’s journey. The jacket was a practical choice that reflected the character’s initial insecurity and her gradual growth into a confident woman. This small detail in the costume design highlights the importance of personal comfort and authenticity in portraying a character.

Roberts’ decision to wear the jacket also underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Costume designer Marilyn Vance worked closely with Roberts to ensure that her comfort and boundaries were respected. Vance’s respect for Roberts’ wishes demonstrates the importance of a collaborative approach in filmmaking, where the comfort and well-being of the actors are as important as the final product. This attention to detail and respect for the actors’ needs is what makes “Pretty Woman” not just a film, but a cinematic experience that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

The Original Red Gown

The ruby-red ball gown that Vivian wears to the opera is one of the most iconic costumes in “Pretty Woman.” However, it wasn’t always meant to be red. Director Garry Marshall initially envisioned the gown in black, a choice that would have significantly altered the impact of the scene. The black gown was ultimately rejected, and the iconic red dress took its place. This change was pivotal, as the red gown not only complemented Vivian’s transformation but also became a symbol of her newfound confidence and elegance.

The red gown’s impact is undeniable. It transformed Vivian’s opera debut into a legendary moment, leaving Edward Lewis speechless and the audience captivated. The costume’s significance extends beyond its aesthetic appeal; it represents Vivian’s journey from a woman living on the streets to a lady of high society. The red gown is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a statement of empowerment and self-discovery, making it one of the most memorable elements of the film.

Comfortable in Her Own Skin: Julia Roberts’ Condition to Avoid Nudity and the Costume Designer’s Respect for Her Boundaries

When Julia Roberts signed on to “Pretty Woman,” she made it clear that she would not be comfortable with nudity. This condition was not a hindrance but rather a collaborative opportunity for costume designer Marilyn Vance. Vance’s respect for Roberts’ boundaries is evident in the thoughtful and respectful approach she took to designing Vivian’s wardrobe. Instead of pushing the boundaries, Vance focused on creating outfits that made Roberts feel comfortable and empowered.

Vance’s approach is a testament to the importance of respecting an actor’s boundaries in the filmmaking process. By ensuring that Roberts felt comfortable in her costumes, Vance contributed to the authenticity of the character. Vivian’s transformation was not just about changing her clothes but also about her internal growth and self-acceptance. This respect for the actor’s boundaries is what makes the costumes in “Pretty Woman” so impactful; they are not just pieces of clothing but expressions of the character’s emotions and journey.

The Look that Launched a Thousand Sighs: The Ruby-Red Ball Gown that Stole the Show

The ruby-red ball gown that Vivian wears to the opera is a standout moment in “Pretty Woman.” The gown, designed by Marilyn Vance, is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of Vivian’s transformation and empowerment. The gown’s vibrant color and intricate design make it a standout piece that captures the essence of Vivian’s journey. The red gown is not just a costume; it is a statement of Vivian’s newfound confidence and elegance.

The impact of the red gown is evident in the way it has become a cultural icon. It has been referenced in various forms of media and has inspired countless fashion trends. The gown’s significance extends beyond its aesthetic appeal; it represents Vivian’s journey from a woman living on the streets to a lady of high society. The red gown is a testament to the power of fashion in storytelling, where clothing becomes a character in its own right, driving the narrative and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

“`

Conclusion

As we delve into the behind-the-scenes world of “Pretty Woman”, it’s clear that this iconic film has left an indelible mark on pop culture. From Julia Roberts’ condition for filming to the iconic red dress, these 11 facts offer a glimpse into the making of a cinematic masterpiece. The article highlights the creative decisions, cast dynamics, and production challenges that brought the film to life, shedding light on the often-overlooked details that make a movie truly memorable.

The significance of “Pretty Woman” extends far beyond its box office success, as it has become a cultural touchstone for generations of moviegoers. The film’s themes of empowerment, class, and love continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic. As we move forward, it’s clear that the impact of “Pretty Woman” will only continue to grow, inspiring new generations of filmmakers, actors, and audiences alike.

In the end, “Pretty Woman” is more than just a romantic comedy – it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted film. As we look back on its legacy, we’re reminded that even the most seemingly trivial details can have a profound impact on the final product. And as we look to the future, it’s clear that the magic of “Pretty Woman” will continue to captivate audiences, inspiring new stories and characters that will leave their own indelible mark on the world of cinema.