A trove of rare Marilyn Monroe memorabilia will be auctioned later this year. The sale includes a gown worn in multiple stills from the film The Seven Year Itch.
The “Icons: The Golden Age of Hollywood” sale in Los Angeles is preceded by an exhibition in two Chinese cities.
The top lot is the iconic ivory pleated halter gown adorned with thousands of shimmering crystals that Monroe wore in the 1955 hit film The Seven Year Itch. The dress, inspired by previous Hollywood siren Mae West and designed by William Travilla, is expected to fetch between $100,000 to $200,000 when it goes on sale.
Other Monroe movie memorabilia highlights include the lavender satin leotard she wore for a 1958 LIFE magazine photo shoot, with an estimate of $20,000-40,000, as well as a vibrant red gown she donned for a press conference for her film The Misfits in 1961. A personalized Elizabeth Arden lipstick and a dazzling brooch Monroe owned are also up for grabs.
A lipstick made specially for Monroe is also up for sale. Image courtesy of Julien’s Auctions.
“These artifacts offer collectors a chance to own a slice of Hollywood magic,” said Martin Nolan os the auctioneers. “Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most popular and collectible movie stars, and these iconic costumes and personal items offer unprecedented insight into her glamorous lifestyle.”
Monroe is certainly still collectible decades after her death. Her short life, she was just 36 when she was found dead, is certainly one reason why. Monroe’s autograph is probably the most valuable in Hollywood history, the most valuable sold for $300,000 in 2022.
Movie costumes and iconic gowns are also extremely sought after. Kim Kardashian caused a stir when she wore Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr President” dress to the 2022 Met Gala. It was sold at auction for $4.8 million in 2018 and is now worth a reported $10 million.
This ale is likely to provide further proof of Monroe’s enduring, and record-breaking appeal
