Marilyn Monroe, the embodiment of Hollywood's golden era, is the epitome of sexy sophistication. She exuded glamour, beauty, and a multifaceted persona that transcended her on-screen image. In our previous installment, we delved into the misconceptions and the woman behind the screen. Now, we aim to shed light on the value and behind-the-scenes stories of the iconic items associated with Marilyn Monroe.

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Chapter 1
The Birth of Pink Elegance 

Marilyn Monroe's mesmerizing performances have left a trail of unforgettable moments on the silver screen. One such iconic scene is from the 1953 film 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,' where she graced the screen in a pink dress. This particular moment is synonymous with Marilyn's legacy. In the film's dazzling showstopper, 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend,' Marilyn donned a pink dress designed by William Travilla. 

 

 

William Travilla, not only a stylist but also a costume designer for Marilyn, embarked on a journey riddled with trial and error as he crafted the iconic pink dress. His goal was to magnify the charisma of the character Marilyn portrayed as Lorelei. In his initial design drafts, the evening gloves and heels were black, but they were eventually unified with the dress in a sizzling hot pink, all to accentuate Marilyn's radiant blonde hair. To stay true to the song's title, 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend,' Travilla painstakingly handcrafted over 5,000 faux diamonds to create accessories, meticulously arranging them himself.

 

 

In a dress that bordered on a work of art, Marilyn Monroe descended the crimson staircase, radiating charisma and sensuality—a defining moment that birthed Hollywood's ultimate sex symbol. The highlight number performed by Marilyn became an iconic anthem, securing its place as the 12th greatest film song of the 20th century, as designated by the American Film Institute. Subsequently, various artists, including Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Jerry Halliwell, leader of the Spice Girls, paid tribute to this scene by staging their own interpretations on stage.

Chapter 2

The Dress of the 20th Century 

 

While the pink dress solidified Marilyn as a sex symbol, it was the white halter dress that cemented her status as an icon of the Hollywood Golden Age. This iconic dress was famously worn in the movie 'The Seven Year Itch' (1955), in the scene where Marilyn's dress flutters above a subway grate, a moment etched into our collective memory. Marilyn's portrayal, coupled with this sensual attire, not only made waves in the film industry but also sparked a sensation in the world of fashion. To this day, her performance and this dress continue to captivate and inspire. 

 

 

The white halter dress in 'The Seven Year Itch' is also a creation by Travilla. In the 1950s, he transformed the popular bright ivory *cocktail dress to suit Marilyn. He added the *halterneck style to highlight Marilyn's arms and back, enhancing her on-screen presence. This collaborative effort between Marilyn and Travilla catapulted her to the status of the ultimate fashion icon of her era.

The white halter dress made a significant mark in fashion history. In 2011, it went under the hammer at a Hollywood costume auction in L.A., fetching a staggering $4.6 million. Today, its value has soared to over 10 billion KRW, earning its place as one of the world's most expensive dresses. 

*Cocktail Dress: A dress women wear at parties or formal occasions.

*Halterneck: A women's clothing style with straps that go around the neck, leaving the arms and back exposed.

 

 

Chapter 3

Marilyn's Champagne

Marilyn Monroe's allure extended beyond the glitz and glamour of the silver screen. She was also renowned for her appreciation of fine champagne. Her favorite champagne, Piper-Heidsieck, held a special place in her heart. 

 

“I go to bed with a few drops of Chanel N° 5, and I wake up each morning to a glass of Piper-Heidsieck; it warms me up.”

In interviews, Marilyn Monroe once revealed that she began her mornings with Piper-Heidsieck champagne, often citing it as a beauty secret. In a heartwarming gesture, Piper-Heidsieck paid tribute to Marilyn's extraordinary passion by releasing a limited edition champagne inspired by her, acknowledging her profound influence.

 

 

 

 

From Marilyn Monroe's dresses to her champagne preferences, her legacy transcends eras, allowing us to reminisce about the golden days of Hollywood. 

Starting September 22nd, on the 1st floor of Kensington Yeouido, the 'Marilyn Monroe Special Exhibition' is now open. The exhibition features not only the iconic white halter dress designed by Travilla but also other works by him, as well as the wine glasses used by Marilyn during her lifetime. If you're planning to visit South Korea, why not spend a day at the Kensington Hotel Yeouido, reliving the magic of Marilyn Monroe? 

Experience the Marilyn Monroe exhibition 

at Kensington Hotel Yeouido!