In 1953, a blonde bombshell draped in pink satin and dripping with diamonds grew to become considered one of cinema’s most enduring pictures of glamour. Seven a long time later, the look Marilyn Monroe wore in “Gents Desire Blondes” remains to be alive in popular culture’s zeitgeist by fixed references and superstar reinterpretations. The pink gown, nonetheless, would have by no means existed if it hadn’t been for a controversial second in Monroe’s profession.
Monroe was shortly rising in Hollywood when she obtained forged to exchange Betty Grable as Lorelei Lee in “Gents Desire Blondes.” She was paired with costume designer William Travilla, with whom she had beforehand labored on “Monkey Enterprise” (1952) and collaborated with six extra occasions in her profession.
Earlier than the pink gown, Travilla had created a special costume for Monroe to put on within the film till twentieth Century Fox’s studio head Darryl F. Zanuck pressured him to vary his plans.
Marilyn Monroe carrying her pink gown in “Gents Desire Blondes.”
Getty Photographs
Whereas they had been filming “Gents Desire Blondes,” a journalist named Aline Mosby uncovered information that Monroe had posed nude for photographer Tom Kelley in 1949. By 1952, one of many pictures had been printed in a calendar. Involved about how the knowledge would have an effect on the movie on the field workplace, Zanuck reportedly instructed Monroe to disclaim the authenticity of the pictures. She didn’t.
“Why deny it? You will get one at anyplace,” Monroe instructed Mosby for United Press. “Apart from, I’m not ashamed of it. I’ve executed nothing mistaken. I used to be every week behind my hire. I needed to have the cash,” she stated.
The actress defined that Kelley had requested her to pose for him many occasions however lastly determined to do it out of monetary necessity. “Tom didn’t assume anybody would acknowledge me. My hair was lengthy then. However when the image got here out, everyone knew me,” she stated. “I’d by no means have executed it if I’d recognized issues would occur in Hollywood so quick for me. I used to be instructed I ought to deny I’d posed.…However I’d fairly be trustworthy about it.”
Following the controversy, Zanuck reportedly referred to as Travilla and instructed him to create a special costume for Monroe to put on throughout the “Diamonds Are a Woman’s Finest Good friend” quantity, overlaying up her physique. The unique costume deliberate for that scene was product of nude cloth and a fishnet physique stocking with rhinestone gildings. Monroe had already executed wardrobe checks carrying the look.
Marilyn Monroe carrying her pink gown in “Gents Desire Blondes.”
FilmPublicityArchive/United Arch
Travilla then created the notorious pink silk gown. The strapless robe featured black satin lining, an oversize bow connected on the again and an integral brassier with rear zipper closure. Monroe was styled within the ensemble with opera-length gloves and a pink taffeta belt.
What occurred to Marilyn Monroe’s pink gown?
The placement of the pink gown remained unknown till 2010, when Profiles in Historical past introduced its Hollywood Public sale 40, that includes Travilla’s creation as its foremost star.
“The robe reveals slight firming in areas, widespread in silk clothes from this period; in any other case in high quality situation. The leather-based backing on the belt is cracked and lacking in areas and silk reveals fraying on edges,” stated the outline.
Marilyn Monroe carrying her pink gown in “Gents Desire Blondes.”
FilmPublicityArchive/United Arch
An nameless purchaser acquired the piece for $310,000, exceeding the public sale home’s expectations by 55 p.c. The gown hasn’t been proven to the general public since.
Madonna’s ‘Materials Woman’ gown and extra reinterpretations
In 1985, Madonna recreated Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Woman’s Finest Good friend” scene for the musical video of “Materials Woman.” The singer’s pink gown was designed by Marlene Stewart, who was Madonna’s costume designer on the time.
Madonna in “Materials Woman.”
Different celebrities have nodded to Monroe’s pink gown over time.
In 2004, Anna Nicole Smith starred in a “Gents Desire Fur-Free Blondes” advert for Peta, carrying a model of the pink gown. On the 2024 Oscars, Ryan Gosling channeled his interior Monroe in a stud-embellished pink swimsuit for his “I’m Simply Ken” efficiency.
Ryan Gosling performs “I’m Simply Ken” from “Barbie” onstage throughout the 96th Annual Academy Awards.
Getty Photographs
Camila Cabello, Blake Full of life, Kylie Minogue, Katie Couric and Kylie Jenner have additionally worn costumes impressed by Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Woman’s Finest Good friend” gown.
