Marilyn Monroe’s Personal Wool Jacket
A black wool tailored jacket, lined in pale pink and ivory striped silk. Custom made for Marilyn Monroe, this jacket was worn frequently and originally paired with a detachable mink fur collar, also preserved as part of this collection.
See the full suit, which is part of the Marilyn Monroe Collection, here.
The jacket is likely the work of George Nardiello, who worked closely with Marilyn in the mid-1950s. Nardiello later remarked that Marilyn was “difficult to design for because she wanted everything ‘skintight’ and like a slip, requiring reinforced seams.” The precision and structure of this jacket reflect that demand, shaped expressly to her body and her exacting standards.
The Marilyn Monroe Auction
November 17, 18 & 19, 2016
Collector’s Note
This wool jacket represents one of the most defining garments from Marilyn Monroe’s personal wardrobe, part of the tailored black suit she wore repeatedly during the mid 1950s. Custom made for Marilyn and attributed to designer George Nardiello, its precise structure and silk lining reflect her insistence that clothing be shaped exactly to her form, reinforcing her awareness of how silhouette influenced presence and perception.
What makes this jacket especially meaningful is its frequent documented use. Contemporary photographs confirm that it was among her most relied upon ensembles, worn during her time in New York and London as she reshaped her career and asserted independence from the studio system. Unlike film costumes created for specific roles, this was a garment Marilyn chose for herself, reflecting the quiet authority and sophistication she cultivated in her private life.
Equally significant is its survival as part of the complete suit, originally accompanied by a detachable mink fur collar and matching skirt. Together, these pieces form one of the most recognizable examples of Marilyn’s personal style, illustrating her preference for refined tailoring and timeless design. The jacket stands as a powerful artifact of her transformation during the mid 1950s, when she emerged not only as a global star, but as a woman in control of her own identity, image, and future.
Scott Fortner
Marilyn Monroe Collection
Founder & Owner
@mariylnmonroecollection 
TheMarilynMonroeCollection