This very pretty striped Victorian walking outfit is special because of the fact that it was worn by not one but two Hollywood “Greats.” So often a costume appears a second time on an extra, but the fact that two great stars wore this gown makes it a valuable piece. The costume, designed by Adrian, was first worn by Ingrid Bergman as Ivy Peterson in the 1941 film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It was worn again in the 1944 film Gaslight when Angela Lansbury wore it as Nancy Oliver, the maid. Finally, the piece made a third and very brief appearance in the 1951 film Showboat.  

Debbie Reynolds purchased this costume from the MGM auction and ultimately put it up for auction herself via Profiles in History, where it was sold to a private collector. The auction catalog describes the costume as follows:

Royal blue and ivory striped two-piece period dress with detached mesh bustle. Wool top with pleated ruffles along shoulders and bodice, coordinating striped pleated collar and six covered buttons with tapered back. Hook & eye front closure. Internal bias label handwritten, “Angela Lansbury and B-40 W-27” (B for bust size and W for waist size). Skirt is draped and layered into a bow design on back with pleated bottom edge. Snap with hook & eye closure. Internal bias label handwritten, “WAIST 26 ½ Angela Lansbury.” Top has some minor pulls in material along front closure and ruffles. Designed by Adrian.

Worn by Ingrid Bergman as “Ivy Peterson” when she visits Spencer Tracy (as Dr. Jekyll) at his office in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Three years later under the costume supervision of Irene, dark grey pleated material was added to the collar and back bodice for Angela Lansbury’s Oscar nominated role as “Nancy” when she is across the street from the house when Charles Boyer is apprehended in Gaslight.

What’s your favorite Ingrid Bergman film? Comment below!