Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Katherine Heigl in the finale of season 2 of "Grey's Anatomy", titled "Losing My Religion". Scott Garfield/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Shonda Rhimes wanted Izzie's prom gown to be "bigger” on the "Grey's Anatomy 2" finale.
A new book claims that the rose-pink gown was custom-made by Amsale.
"It went on to Disney World in Florida for a while," stated the "Grey's Anatomy” costume designer.
A pink prom dress, which almost never saw the light the day of daylight, is the inspiration for one of the most tragic scenes in "Grey's Anatomy's" history.
The finale of season two of the show, "Losing My Religion," features Izzie (Katherine Heigl), and other interns attending the prom they planned to attend for Dr. Richard Webber's niece (Jim Pickens Jr.). Izzie's fianc Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), dies from an apparent stroke after complications following heart-transplant surgery.
Izzie, in a huge, rose-pink, dress, climbs into his hospital bed to find him dead. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), must gently lift her so that she can be removed from Denny's grave, and gather all the layers into his arms.
According to Lynette Rice's "How to Save a Life" article, Mimi Melgaard was the show's costume designer. She struggled to find the right dress for Izzie to wear in the tragedy because Shonda Rhimes, then-showrunner of Grey's Anatomy, had a very specific vision.
Heigl, Justin Chambers. Scott Garfield/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
According to Melgaard, "That year in Los Angeles all the dresses were very long and soft." Shonda would say, "No, no. I'd fit Katie in dresses." I want more.
Melgaard was short on time and couldn’t find Rhimes’ perfect dress. Amsale, a well-known wedding-dress manufacturer, was called and she asked them to make the gown in one week.
According to the costume designer, the time crunch and stress involved in securing the pink gown with stunning broach accent was worth the art it created. Melgaard said that Shonda was able to see in her mind the shots of Alex and Izzie in an elevator and Izzie lying on Denny's lap, then Izzie with Alex in her arms and Alex with her dress down.
Continue the story
Melgaard stated that Rhimes desired a "beautiful, princess dress" with its own voice to create a "Cinderella moment" for Izzie.
Heigl discusses "Losing My Religion." Scott Garfield/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Although they didn't know it, Melgaard and Rhimes created a dress together that has had a life other than "Grey's Anatomy." According to Melgaard, "It went on tour to Disney World in Florida for quite some time." It is on tour. This dress travels places!
"How to Save a Life: Grey's Anatomy's Inside Story" provides further insight into the process that led to the creation of some of the most memorable scenes on the show.
Insider has the original article.
