Emulated for decades, Marilyn Monroe’s influence remains as provocative as her legend. Born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926, died on Aug. 5, 1962, Norma Jean Baker, who would later be dubbed the blond bombshell for her electric sex appeal, would have celebrated her centennial birthday this year and continues to defy what it means to be an icon with a fan base that has never wavered.
Kim Kardashian in Marilyn Monroe’s Jean Louis designed dress at the 2022 Met Gala celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” Chris Polk/WWD
Penske Media via Getty Images
Monroe, cast her spell on fashion when going from brunette to platinum blond on the advice of her agent. Her most recognizable attribute as carefully curated as her favorite stiletto shoes — many designed by Ferragamo — her arched brows, beauty mole, bare shoulders and memorable sultry, whispery vocals. She wore Pucci, Norman Norell and American sportswear and declared she only wore Chanel No.5 to bed because she’d rather not say she slept naked.
Many of her most memorable fashion moments were designed by costume designers. Her white halter dress from the 1955 film “The Seven-Year Itch” was designed by William Travilla, and that infamous figure hugging “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress worn to serenade JFK designed by Jean Louis (Berthault) — who also designed her polka dot bikini — have kept Monroe’s enduring influence central to the zeitgeist.
