This challenge has been the most difficult for me to date. As a period costume designer I wanted to follow that path, but the choices were so many and I confused myself so much that I decided comtemporary was the way to go.

EDWARD
"Hmm .......... Let's see ........... no, there's something missing"

That's when Edward produces the jewellery box with the diamonds

The original gown 
designed for this scene was red with white gloves. I have changed both
these colors to sea green and black, respectively. I have done this because I feel red was not the best choice of color, as it conveys the trappings of "prostitution" which is the last impression this scene is trying to communicate. I have used black gloves instead of white because they are more subtle and shouldn't be the centre of attention - white cannot help but stand out on screen. I also felt the change of gown color was a better "fit" with the color of Julia Robert's hair. I was looking for an overall impact when she appeared at the doorway in the hotel.
With the design I wanted to present Vivian as a "princess for the night" with just a little fantasy thrown in, so the gown is very feminine without losing the contemporary style features. She must look elegant and sculpted. I have used a more tailored silhouette with feminine adornments.
I thought the original gown was perhaps a little fussy with fabric falling from the wrong position ( the stomach area). I have kept the frill and rose trim to the bottom of the gown giving a simplicity of line to all close and medium shots with just the roses at the shoulders and necklace for detail. This allows the jewellery to shine but adds interest and movement to the full length camera angles. The decollete neckline of the gown presents a flattering line and leaves a bare shoulder area for the necklace.
My gown is in dupion silk because this fabric is chameleon in its colors and changes with the lighting, animating the gown within its simplicity.
Some of the jewellery stones match the color of the silk, to pull the outfit together. It is an important part of the concept of the outfit so it was important that the gown and jewellery team together well. They were chosen that way by Edward in the film.

The georgette shawl was included for the scene where Vivian crosses the tarmac to the private jet. This is purely for effect as it will flutter in the breeze and the setting sun will make it transparent.
The sea green color I have chosen will stand out at the Opera amongst the other cast members (men in black and white, women in neutral shades) without being "in your face", and remain very elegant. Only the language coming out of her mouth gives her away.