THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF MARILYN MONROE
Lot 55 – The “Happy Birthday Mr. President” Dress
From the personal wardrobe of Marilyn Monroe: A full length evening sheath dress of flesh-colored soufflé gauze encrusted with graduated rhinestones embroidered in a rosette motif. Worn by Marilyn Monroe at the famous birthday tribute to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden where Marilyn sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” on May 19. 1962.
This dress, still today, holds the record for the most expensive personal dress ever sold at auction.
1999 Sale at Christie’s Auctions:
- Estimate: On Request
- Selling Price: $1,267,500
2016 Sale at Julien’s Auctions
- Selling Price: $4,800,000.00 (Auction Link)
In 2022, when Kim Kardashian wore Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress to the Met Gala, Marilyn Monroe Collection owner Scott Fortner was contacted by People.com for his expert perspective on the historic garment and its significance. His research has also helped correct the historical record. He also verified through photographic evidence that the garment was damaged due to being worn by Kardashian.
Click the links below to read Marilyn Monroe Collection blog posts providing historical context, analysis, and documentation of the 2022 Met Gala and the controversies surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress.Kim Kardashian Wears Marilyn Monroe JFK Dress to 2022 Met Gala:
- Kim Kardashian Wears Marilyn Monroe JFK Dress to 2022 Met Gala
- News Alert: Ripley’s Marilyn Monroe Hair Gifted to Kardashian is Fake
- Ripley’s Backpedals on Fake Marilyn Monroe Hair Gifted to Kim Kardashian
- Marilyn Monroe Famous JFK Dress Loaned by Ripley’s is Permanently Damaged after KimK Met Gala Red Carpet Walk
- Marilyn Monroe’s Dress is “Not the Way it Was” when Kim K Wore It
- Marilyn Monroe Collection Official Statement in Response to Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Kim Kardashian Statements as to Marilyn Monroe’s JFK Dress Damage
- John Reznikoff Authenticated Marilyn Monroe Hair from Robert Champion Verified Fake Via DNA Testing