Pink Satin “Diamonds”
- Pink satin dress with a defined waist
- Long gloves · a moment for sparkle: glitzy accents
- Statement jewelry and elegant heels
It all begins back in 1926, when on June 1 in Los Angeles, Gladys Perkins gives birth to a baby girl at a local hospital. She names her Norma Jeane Mortenson. Stanley Gifford is considered to be her father, but he categorically refuses to acknowledge little Norma. Despite Gladys’s mental and personal problems, she keeps the child with her; a bit later, however, her schizophrenia worsens and Norma is forced to live in foster families and orphanages. The little girl did not know then that the difficult childhood she had would help her build a strong character and turn her into a legend.
Norma’s family life was anything but boring. At just 16, she was forced to marry James Dougherty. I say “forced” because she had to decide whether to marry the 21-year-old sailor or go to an orphanage. And so, in 1942 the two marry. Norma starts working in a factory, where she is noticed by a photographer. In 1946, 20th Century Fox also notices the beauty and wants to sign her. The company convinces Norma that, to keep advancing in Hollywood, she shouldn’t be married. Norma’s ambition leads her to divorce and sign her first contract. And that is the turning point in her life.
The film industry very quickly turns Norma into a sex symbol for an entire nation. 20th Century Fox thinks she should choose a stage name to present to the public, and she picks the name that to this day commands respect: Marilyn Monroe. It wasn’t a random choice—the first name came from her favorite comedian and “Monroe” from her grandmother. In fact, it wasn’t exactly a pseudonym, because in 1946 she officially changed her name. A smart move given the massive popularity she was about to gain. Seven years later, Marilyn meets a legendary New York Yankees player, and in 1954 marries Joe DiMaggio. Their marriage doesn’t last long, because besides his sporting achievements, Joe also had a reputation for being very jealous. With such a woman by his side, even the most tolerant men “would fall ill.” There are even reports of psychological abuse by DiMaggio. Despite the breakup, it’s said DiMaggio remained devoted to Marilyn throughout his life and personally organized her funeral.
Whether because of the tough childhood or something else, it seems that despite her strong character she disliked being alone, and two years later she marries for a third time—this time to the intellectual Arthur Miller. Apparently Marilyn cared deeply for the famous playwright, as she converted to Judaism for him. Despite their long relationship, they never managed to have children because Marilyn suffered several miscarriages. Her depression deepened and this may have led to their split in 1961. It was the famous actress’s last marriage.
No, she did not. After her last marriage and several unsuccessful attempts with Arthur Miller, the beauty gave up on becoming a mother.
Marilyn Monroe was found dead by her housekeeper at 3 a.m. on August 5, 1962, in her Los Angeles home. The news shook Hollywood and the whole world mourned. The medical opinion was a fatal overdose of sleeping pills, and this is the official version of the investigating officers. The case closed quickly because everything pointed to suicide. There are, however, other unproven theories suggesting it wasn’t quite so.
1. In my view it’s unlikely, but people close to the star say she most likely overdosed by mistake.
2. Others whisper about a secret relationship with John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. According to those familiar with the story, she “knew too much” and therefore “had to be silenced.” Personally, I’m skeptical of this theory and think that after her last marriage the great actress’s mental health was quite fragile. We’re a fashion blog, so let’s stop digging into her private life and look at the mark she left on fashion.
Marilyn Monroe’s Style. Marilyn Monroe is not just an actress. She’s a phenomenon in fashion and a symbol of style and femininity. Hallmarks for her are dresses in glamorous fabrics such as satin, velvet, silk, and sequins. Although she wasn’t born into a wealthy family, her parents passed on excellent genes. Beautiful monochrome looks combined with her hourglass figure broke millions of men’s hearts. Dresses that accentuate the waist and deep necklines are staples in her wardrobe. Another signature element: long slits.
Iconic Dresses.
1. Pink satin dress. Some of you may remember the film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” There Marilyn performs “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” She’s dressed in a bright pink, shimmering gown with long pink gloves while men in tuxedos dance around her. Statement diamonds further elevate the luxurious look. With this scene she wins the audience’s ovations, and many contemporary artists want to emulate her. Madonna is one of many who recreate the phenomenal Marilyn in the “Material Girl” (1985) video.
2. The “Happy Birthday” dress. Perhaps one of the most famous dresses in the world. It takes its name from the birthday of then-president Kennedy, where Marilyn sang “Happy Birthday.” In 2022 Kim Kardashian wore the original dress on the red carpet—only briefly, as the museum did not allow her to wear it all evening. She later continued the party in a lookalike. Many photos appeared online showing missing crystals; critics immediately attacked Kardashian for stretching and damaging a historical piece, while she denied it, saying she lost 10 kilos to fit into the dress.
3. The white dress from “The Seven Year Itch” (1955). Almost everyone has seen the photo where the subway grate blows up Marilyn’s white dress. An iconic scene and an eternal classic! It’s even believed this image contributed to the split from her jealous husband Joe. Although it’s a simple white, pleated dress, it sold in 2011 for a record $4.6 million, making it one of the most expensive dresses in history. Paris Hilton and Mariah Carey are just two among many who often try to recreate the look at high-profile events.
4. Red sequined dress. Another dress by which the great Marilyn Monroe will be remembered. It exudes glam, sex appeal, and Hollywood dazzle. The design is very fitted, with bare shoulders and a deep neckline—a fantasy for every man. This perfect piece continues to inspire stars like Madonna, Scarlett Johansson, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga. Today designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Dior frequently recreate looks reminiscent of her style.
Marilyn Monroe on the cover of Playboy. We’ve all heard of Playboy. Do you know who the first woman on its cover was? Yes—Marilyn Monroe. The black-and-white photo of Monroe posing nude on a velvet rug marked the magazine’s spectacular success, selling out in minutes. She actually didn’t know the erotic magazine would use her photo—Hugh Hefner secretly bought it for $500. In other words, Marilyn Monroe wasn’t paid for her “appearance” in Playboy.
On Halloween many try to recreate the image of the great actress, but that’s just one day—let’s see how to channel her style beyond the holiday.
She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson. In 1946 she officially adopted the name Marilyn Monroe.
She had three marriages: to James Dougherty (1942), Joe DiMaggio (1954), and Arthur Miller (1956).
No. Despite attempts with Arthur Miller, she did not have children.
The official finding is a fatal overdose of sleeping pills on August 5, 1962.
The pink satin dress from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” the “Happy Birthday” dress for Kennedy, the white dress from “The Seven Year Itch,” and the red sequined gown. Go for monochrome looks, a defined waist, a deep neckline, and luxurious fabrics like satin, velvet, and sequins.