Head MGM costume designer Adrian (The Wizard of Oz, The Women) almost certainly designed this stunning gown for the film Mrs. Parkington, though he is uncredited. The costume was most likely inspired by the incredible Art Nouveau-style gown designed by the French architect, painter, and sculptor Victor Prouvé. The original dress was probably created in the year 1900 or 1901 and was put on display at the Salon de la Sociéte National des Beaux-Arts. The piece uses beautiful details and embroidery depicting the theme of spring. It can still be seen on display at The Musée de l’École de Nancy in Lorraine.

Much like the original gown, the costume features a large dragonfly at the bust, with flower and water motifs around the skirt. Agnes Moorehead wore the piece in the 1944 film Mrs. Parkington, where she played Baroness Aspasia Conti. The gown was used again in the 1958 musical Gigi, where Maruja Plose wore it as a model. This time the dress can be seen in brilliant color. It is also apparent that the piece has undergone some changes, likely under the direction of Cecil Beaton, the costume designer for Gigi. Yellow tulle seems to have been added around the bust and shoulders, creating sleeves for the once sleeveless evening gown. While it does make the costume look completely different, the highly distinctive design makes it obvious that this is indeed the same piece.