Marilyn Monroe’s most famous on-screen looks up for auction

Some gowns estimated to sell for up to £60,000

Olivia Petter
Wednesday 14 August 2019 09:35 EDT
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(Baron/Getty Images)

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Some of Marilyn Monroe’s most famous on-screen outfits are set to go under the hammer later this year as part of a major auction in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles celebrating legendary women in Hollywood.

The Hollywood actor fronted several cinematic classics in the 1950s such as The Seven Year Itch and Some Like it Hot, all of which featured memorable costumes that fans can now snap up.

Among the looks up for grabs at the auction, which takes place in November, are Monroe’s floor-length red sequin gown worn at the beginning of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the price of which has been estimated at somewhere between £50,000 to £60,000.

Elsewhere, Monroe’s three-piece showgirl ensemble from There’s No Business Like Show Business is also included in the auction. The ensemble consists of a black bandeau top, a floor-length floral skirt and an oversized straw hat.

Another look on offer is a yellow silk floor length gown worn in the final scene of the 1954 film River of No Return.

Also included in the auction are gowns worn by the actor to press conferences and photoshoots. There are some non clothing-related items too, including a cheque written by Monroe to her acting coach for $60 (£50).

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russel in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,1953
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russel in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,1953 (Rex Features)

Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien's Auctions, said: "This collection of Marilyn Monroe's most iconic costumes that were worn by the screen legend in some of her most acclaimed and incandescent film performances will excite not only her millions of fans, but curators and collectors who are interested in owning and preserving these museum worthy pieces of the Golden Age of Hollywood history and fashion."

The Legendary Women of Hollywood auction takes place at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills on 1 November.

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