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  • Joely Richardson as Wallis Simpson wearing her "Wallis Blue" wedding dress in the 2005 film "Wallis & Edward."
    • ITV
    • Company Pictures

    Wallis & Edward

    2005

    Costume seen on Joely Richardson as Wallis Simpson

  • Andrea Riseborough as Wallis Simpson wearing her wedding dress in the 2011 film "W.E."
    • IM Global

    W.E.

    2011

    Costume seen on Andrea Riseborough as Wallis Simpson

Additional Images

About the Costume

On 16 November 1936, King Edward VIII, after less than a year on the throne, abdicated in order to marry Wallis Simpson. At their marriage the following year, Wallis wore a gown by Mainbocher in her signature color, “Wallis Blue,” which was said to match her eyes. The gown is now in the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the blue has faded over the years.

There have been numerous portrayals of the couple on film and television over the years, several of which have reproduced the gown. The 2005 production Wallis & Edward did a particularly beautiful job of replicating the piece, which was worn by Joely Richardson. Several years later, when Madonna began work on her film W.E., the reproduction gown was part of an exhibit on “Marriage in the Movies,” and she asked if it might be loaned to her for use in the film, where it went on to be worn by Andrea Riseborough. You can read more about it here.

About the Costume

Have you seen this gown somewhere else? Do you need to be given credit for this sighting? Do you have corrections, additions or changes you would like to make?

Have you ever watched a film and noticed a character walk by in a gown that you just know you’ve seen before? Recycled Movie Costumes is dedicated to documenting the life of a costume through its various appearances on film and television.

Additional Images

About the Costume

On 16 November 1936, King Edward VIII, after less than a year on the throne, abdicated in order to marry Wallis Simpson. At their marriage the following year, Wallis wore a gown by Mainbocher in her signature color, “Wallis Blue,” which was said to match her eyes. The gown is now in the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the blue has faded over the years.

There have been numerous portrayals of the couple on film and television over the years, several of which have reproduced the gown. The 2005 production Wallis & Edward did a particularly beautiful job of replicating the piece, which was worn by Joely Richardson. Several years later, when Madonna began work on her film W.E., the reproduction gown was part of an exhibit on “Marriage in the Movies,” and she asked if it might be loaned to her for use in the film, where it went on to be worn by Andrea Riseborough. You can read more about it here.

On 16 November 1936, King Edward VIII, after less than a year on the throne, abdicated in order to marry Wallis Simpson. At their marriage the following year, Wallis wore a gown by Mainbocher in her signature color, “Wallis Blue,” which was said to match her eyes. The gown is now in the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the blue has faded over the years.

There have been numerous portrayals of the couple on film and television over the years, several of which have reproduced the gown. The 2005 production Wallis & Edward did a particularly beautiful job of replicating the piece, which was worn by Joely Richardson. Several years later, when Madonna began work on her film W.E., the reproduction gown was part of an exhibit on “Marriage in the Movies,” and she asked if it might be loaned to her for use in the film, where it went on to be worn by Andrea Riseborough. You can read more about it here.

Credits

Sighting Credit:
  • Shrewsbury Lasses
Photos provided by:
  • Shrewsbury Lasses
  • IMDb
  • Julia Spicer
  • RASBeaRs
Costume Designer:
  • Michael O’Connor

Disclaimer

All intellectual property rights vests with the owner of the copyrighted material. Recycled Movie Costumes is not copying, distributing and using these materials except for entertainment purposes only and deems itself to be protected under the regulations of mandatory law (such as the right to quote), unless otherwise stated for certain material. We are happy to take down any material that the copyright owner/trademark owner feels is a violation of their statutory right. Before proceeding with the legal measures, we request the alleged aggrieved to contact us at [email protected] for us to assist them with our cooperation.

The films/television shows/books and other media represented in the images on this website do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Recycled Movie Costumes. Said media may contain mature content. Viewer discretion is advised at all times.

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