Marisa Pavan as Catherine de Medici in 'Diane' Designed by Walter Plunkett

Three piece period costume, [C363-1/ ] gold stenciled red velvet bodice, cream satin inset at front and sleeves, ornamented with peals, gold ornamentation and metal bees, red patterned outer sleeves lined with ermine; [C363-2/ ] matching skirt with ermine trim at front and cream satin under skirt with pearl ornamentation. All pieces have bias labels inscribed "Marisa Pavin" with production numbers, red velvet cap ornamented with pearls and gold trim (Not original to costume); pair of red leather gloves with lattice stitch detail and ornamented with gold bullion with the letter C and ornamented at scalloped gauntlet with metal work set the large yellow and red stones and pearls. The Gloves are actually worn at the tournament when Henry is killed and seen in subsequent scene with body.

Italian-born brunette, Marisa Pavan was the twin sister of actress Pier Angeli. She was small and demure and usually was cast in gentle roles. In the opulent 16th century costume drama “Diane,” however, she held her own as the scheming Catherine de Medici who finally meets her match with Lana Turner in her affections for Roger Moore.

Walter Plunkett stated in an interview before his death that he realized that he would always be remembered for designing “Gone With The Wind,” which is not a bad credit to have under your belt. But, designing for “Diane” was far more fun. He was able to stay with one time period and create different themes on the period without “going through a war.” So much embellishment was used on the opulent costumes, a manufacture of jewelry was purchased, just to create the ornamentations. The costumes for the role of Catherine de Medici were constructed before the designer had actually seen the actress. When he saw her and realized how small she was, he considered remaking the costumes because they were too heavy for her to carry off. Marisa Pavan informed him that she was a girl from a small village in Italy and these costumes were a fantasy come true and she would make them work. She did- beautifully.