I found this idea quite striking, as all three daughters are introduced in the opening of the play wearing three distinct gemstone colored dresses, which vividly identify these three personas. By portraying Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia in emerald, ruby, and sapphire, the director establishes them as three gems with three very distinct personalities, but one common thread, the fact that they are constrained to these formulaic female roles.
In this scene she wears a high-necked emerald green dress, which is slightly longer than knee length and is long sleeved as well.
The dress is made out of a tight fitting and rigid fabric possibly a polyester , as if it is encasing her body and controlling her movements. Much of her body is covered by the dress, as if she is reserved and essentially blocked from the rest of the world by fabric. Stereotypically, the dress also has a pear collar, which is reminiscent of a s housewife or an uptight modern woman. Her hair is slicked back and pulled into a neat bun shape, which reflects her uptight personality in the play.
What is most interesting about this wardrobe choice, however, is the decision to put Goneril in an emerald green dress. This color dress mirrors the emerald gemstone, which is often thought of a stone of power and envy.
She is controlling, abrasive, violent, and conniving, and the green dress hints at this nature before she even begins speaking. Regan is also first shown wearing a dress, only hers is a very low cut deep ruby colored dress.
