From ‘The Seven Year Itch’ Dress To The Sparkling Pink Gown, Iconic Marilyn Monroe Style Moments We Hope To See In Ana de Armas’ ‘Blonde’
Marilyn Monroe has always been an active part of conversations, that revisit the sparkling era of Hollywood. Be it her iconic sense of style, or her time on the big screen, the American actress contributed to the evolution of American cinema during the peak years of the 1950s and 1960s. And while anything related to the movie star/performer is bound to turn into a subject of great interest, her portrayal in the upcoming Andrew Dominik-directed Blonde has already found its spot in the limelight. Headlined by actress Ana de Armas, Blonde takes the viewers through the missing pages of Marilyn Monroe’s life behind the lens. Based on author Joyce Carol Oates’s 2000 novel, Blonde attempts to narrate the story of Hollywood’s most iconic name. With the trailer sitting in our YouTube feeds for over a month, the film’s latest premiere at the year’s Venice Film Festival has contributed to the buzz and states that it sure is worth the anticipation.
And while the film takes on the task of venturing into the deepest roads of Marilyn’s life behind the camera, what also has us excited is Ana’s applaudable portrayal of the Hollywood legend. With a trailer that gives a peek inside the film, we spotted many iconic style moments of the Hollywood star, serving an uncanny finish. Besides author Joyce’s perspective towards her life, what also has us thrilled for the release is the idea of style recreations. Monroe’s life through cinema and red carpets has always been termed iconic. With a style that suited even her shadows, and designer collaborations that excite fashion nerds even today, Monroe’s magnificent sartorial presence has had a life beyond her. While the trailer hurriedly showcases the many iconic style moments from the film, we hope to find some of our favourites in the final release on September 28, 2022, only on Netflix.
The Seven Year Itch Dress
Marilyn Monroe’s picture in a flying dress has perhaps become her identity. With cinema junkies taking cues from it, the moment has indeed become an imperative part of cinema history. Taking you sixty years back, Billy Wilder’s 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, displayed Monroe in a white, halter neckline dress by designer William Travilla. The iconic scene from the film captured Monroe managing her attire above a windy subway. The trailer delivers a glimpse of the iconic film scene from the 20th century.
The Iconic Birthday Dress
The Hollywood legend’s infamous tinsel-soaked gown from then-President John F. Kennedy’s birthday celebrations enjoyed much attention, when Kim Kardashian decided to bring it out of the museum for this year’s Met Gala. Post a long-long discussion around the 60-year-old custom Jean Louis gown, fashion nerds again have their hearts beating to watch Ana’s portrayal of Marilyn in it. Curated with 6000 hand-sewn crystals, Marilyn wore the gown with a furry shawl to sing “Happy Birthday” to Mr President.
The History Of Pink
Cinema lovers, musical legends and fashion icons have revisited the Hollywood star’s electrifying pink gown from her popular track–“Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” from her box-office blockbuster film–Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. A strapless satin gown, that features a statement bow accent at the back, and opera gloves accompanying it for the feeling of glamorous grandeur, Marilyn’s iconic pink dress was curated by Oscar-winning costume designer William Travilla. A close collaborator for each of Monroe’s most-celebrated onscreen looks, Travilla styled it with glimmering diamond jewels, Marilyn’s iconic red lips and curled blonde tresses. The Blonde trailer delivers a slice of Ana in the iconic pink look. Well, we hope to see it at stretch.
A Memorable Costume
Another memorable look from Marilyn’s time on the big screen was delivered through this semi-sheer glitter dress in the 1959 film–Some Like It Hot. The flesh-coloured, concealed bust dress came adorned with geometrically aligned beads and flat sequins. The iconic dress designed by costume designer Orry Kelly, who also bagged an Oscar for the same, hid Monroe’s pregnant belly in the film. The cocktail dress fits her character Sugar Kane like a glove, who gracefully sings “I Wanna Be Loved By You” in the film.
Golden Globes 1962
Another striking attire from the style archives of Marilyn Monroe, made it to the headlines of today, all thanks to Kim Kardashian. A form-fitting, sequin-adored gown by designer Norman Norell was what Monroe chose to wear, to pick the title of ‘Henrietta Award for World Film Favourite Female,’ at the Golden Globes 1962. The emerald-hued, v-neck gown, featured two-strap detailing accompanied by a floor-length appeal. Kim Kardashian channelled her inner Marilyn on the eve of Met Gala 2022, as she changed into another iconic dress, worn by the Hollywood legend.
The Showgirl Uniform
For a special appearance at the Madison Square Garden charity benefit in the year 1955, Marilyn wore her now-famous showgirl costume. The conceptualised design featured ivory taffeta stitched next to monochromatic velvet, ribbon stripes, forming a bikini cut. The costume was decorated with crystals, rhinestones and plumes of blonde ostrich feathers, to form a bow at the back. The custom-made attire was curated by New York’s Brooks Costume Company.
A Golden Girl
In her blockbuster film–Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn wore a foil, golden, pleated lamé gown designed by William Travilla. The dazzling gold attire was cut in Monroe’s signature halter-neckline, with a ruched detail around the waist. The sunburst-pleated gown packs the essence of Hollywood’s glamour in the golden era and is styled with her signature blonde, red lips and gold earrings.
Also Read: ‘Blonde’ Trailer: Ana De Armas As Marilyn Monroe Transports Us Back In Time To Revisit Hollywood Legend’s Tragic Story
‘There’s No Business like Show Business’ Premiere
For the premiere of her 1954 release– There’s No Business Like Show Business, Marilyn arrived in a jewel-toned, sheen silk gown. The pearl-white attire featured a strapless neckline and was styled on Monroe using matching silk opera gloves, pump heels and a faux-fur coverup. A similar look has been recreated by Ana in the upcoming film–Blonde.
Also Read: Kim Kardashian May Have Ruined Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Dress As Suggested By These New Pictures. Shouldn’t Play With A Piece From History
Wedding Dress
After many successful professional collaborations with ace designer Norman Norell, Monroe trusted the designer to dress her for her third wedding to Arthur Miller. In the year 1956, the glamour-met-edgy bridal look was one of the finest and most popular partnerships between the designer and the Hollywood legend. The empire-waist, form-fitting silhouette, with plunging neckline and mono-sleeves, was a modern-day spin to the white gown. Monroe styled the dress with an interesting, half-veil and pillbox hat. Through Blonde, filmmaker Andrew Dominik explores Marilyn’s much-talked-about love affair with Miller. Hence, you might happen to stumble upon a recreated version of her wedding dress, as seen on Ana.
Blonde is slated to hit Netflix on September 28, 2022.
Feature Image Credits: Jasveen Kaur Sawhney
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