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:
The Marilyn Monroe Exhibit at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbor, London, England, May 25th – June 20th, 2016
The Marilyn Monroe Exhibit at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbor, London, England, May 25th – June 20th, 2016
The Marilyn Monroe Exhibit at the Newbridge Museum of Style Icons, Ireland, June 25th – July 25th, 2016
Marilyn Monroe with costume designer for Some Like It Hot, Orry-Kelly
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.
Hung on a rack the dress is somthing. With Monroe in it is something else!