The 1938 film Marie Antoinette was arguably the largest, most outlandish costume drama that classic Hollywood had seen up to that point. Adrian, known for his distinctive style and attention to detail, was tasked with creating hundreds of costumes for the production. He visited France, collected antique fabrics, and studied paintings of the period intensely. The result was, of course, a highly stylized take on the 18th century, but it was spectacular to see nonetheless. 

The film was originally meant to be shot in color, but due to money issues was eventually filmed in black and white. Thankfully many of these costumes went on to be used again in other films, which helped offset the cost spent on the costumes and occasionally allowed glimpses of the actual colors used.

Norma Shearer wore this green velvet gown, accented with gold embroidery and appliqués in the title role of Marie Antoinette. It was seen twice in 1946, first in Two Sisters from Boston on an extra and then again on Janis Carter as Christine Roualt in The Fighting Guardsman. It makes a “blink and you’ll miss it” appearance in the famous fight scene in the 1952 film Scaramouche. That same year it was worn by Rita Corday as Countess Elga in The Black Castle. 

The gown and several others from Marie Antoinette are in the collection at FIDM.

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