As we draw closer to the Marilyn Monroe auction at Julien’s Auctions, I thought I’d share a few “behind the scenes” photos of Marilyn’s dresses, taken during my work to catalog the David-Gainsborough Roberts Marilyn Monroe collection for this auction. I’ll start by showing some photos of Marilyn’s costume from Some Like It Hot. This dress is one of only two Marilyn Monroe costumes known to still exist from the film. Costume designer Orry-Kelly won the 1959 Oscar for his work on this film.
Stay tuned for some additional photos of Marilyn’s costumes headed for auction at Julien’s Auctions.
The auction catalog description for this costume: A figure-hugging sheer black and nude embellished cocktail dress worn by Marilyn Monroe while singing “I’m through with Love” atop a grand piano in Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot (United Artists, 1959). The dress is composed of black souffle and nude silk jersey embellished with columns of jet-like beads and sequins, scattered beaded butterfly appliques, and beaded fringes. The dress has a built-in bra and an illusion of a deep plunging back that was considered extremely daring for its’ day. Hand finishing work is present to the interior. A Western Costume label inscribed “Marilyn Monroe 1575-1” is attached to the interior of the bra. Legend tells that Monroe had to be lifted to the piano for this scene as the dress was very form fitting. Some Like It Hot is considered to be one of the greatest film comedies of all time. It was voted as the top comedy film by the American Film Institute on their list on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs poll in 2000. The film won the 1960 Golden Globe awards for Best Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical, Best Actress in Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical for Monroe, and Best Actor in Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical for Jack Lemmon. Orry-Kelly won the 1959 Academy Award for costume design for his work on this film. Some restoration work is present. Accompanied by a black and white publicity image.
Estimate: $400,000 – $600,000
View Marilyn’s performance in the film here.
Additional photos:
[…] to catalogue this week’s auction at Julien’s – takes a closer look at the ‘I’m Through With Love‘ dress from Some Like It Hot, and the ‘After You Get What You Want‘ dress from […]
I saw that movie as a sneak preview in Chicago in 1959 when I was 10.Had I reached the age of puberty I probably would not have survived. The way the camera teased us with the lighting on Marilyn’s white dress in her number “I Want to be Loved By You.” probably had half the male audience in heat. Great Movie. I still watch it when it is on TV, Now I’m 70 and figure at my age I can survive anything.
[…] appliqués. It’s been mentioned that the get dressed was once so tight, the superstar needed to be lifted on best of the piano she sang on in […]
[…] beaded fringe and butterfly appliqués. It has been stated that the costume was so tight, the star needed to be lifted on high of the piano she sang on in […]
[…] beaded fringe and butterfly appliqués. It has been mentioned that the gown was so tight, the star needed to be lifted on prime of the piano she sang on in […]
Hung on a rack the dress is somthing. With Monroe in it is something else!
Ever since I saw Marilyn Monroe in the movie Niagara and she sang that song called kiss me, I fell for her. I was just a kid, but she aroused something in me that I never forgot. There have been so many my moments in the movies she starred in. One movie that I always watch over and over anytime it’s playing on TV is some like it hot. My favorite part of that movie has always been the seduction scene in the yacht. That dress she wore was unbelievable with her in it. I’m 80 yrs and married many years and I love my wife dearly but I still enjoy Marilyn’s movies and it still does something to me when I see her.