Marilyn Monroe’s Most Famous Dresses Are Now Up For Sale

Costumes that the star wore in films like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes will be sold at auction later this year

marilyn monroe costumes auction

by Hannah Banks-Walker |
Updated on

From floor-length red sequins to the white dress that became nothing short of iconic, Marilyn Monroe's costumes became almost as famous as their wearer. Now, some of them will be available to buy as part of an auction celebrating legendary women in Hollywood, held in Beverly Hills later this year.

marilyn monroe some like it hot
Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot ©getty

There are pieces available from Monroe's most famous films, including Some Like It Hot, Seven Year Itch and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. From the 1954 film, River Of No Return, there will be a yellow silk gown on offer (that used to be owned by Debbie Reynolds), as well as a three piece costume from the film There's No Business Like Show Business, including a black sequin bandeau top, full floral print skirt and oversized straw hat.

marilyn monroe in the river of no return
Marilyn Monroe in River Of No Return

It's expected to sell for between £50,000 and £66,000, while a sketch of the costume by fashion designer William Travilla will also be on sale, with a guide price of £2,500.

marilyn monroe there's no business like show business
Monroe in the ensemble from There's No Business Like Show Business

There will also be a red sequin dress in the auction, worn by Monroe at the beginning of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, in which she starred alongside Jane Russell. The dress is also estimated to sell for around £60,000.

marilyn monroe gentlemen prefer blondes
Monroe in red sequins in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

There are, in total, 115 items that will be up for auction. As well as the clothes, there will be a selection of miscellaneous items, too, including a chair used in Monroe's final photo shoot in July 1962 (expected to sell for anything between £6,600 and £8,300) and a cheque written out to her acting coach for 60 dollars.

marilyn monroe auction red dress

If you happen to be near London's Mayfair Hotel between September 18 and October 21, you will have the chance to see four of Monroe's outfits, before they are then shipped over to LA for the auction at Julien's Auction's in Beverly Hills.

marilyn monroe outfit for auction

The two day auction will begin on November 1, and fans can even bid online here. So, if you happen to have a casual £60,000 to spare, you could buy your very own piece of Hollywood history.

SEE: Marilyn Monroe's Classic Beauty Moments

Gallery

Marilyn Monroe's Classic Beauty Moments

Marilyn Monroe  – or Norma Jean – in 19481 of 6

Marilyn Monroe – or Norma Jean – in 1948

Before there was Marilyn Monroe, there was Norma Jean. With darker hair and a fresh-faced approach to make-up, you can still see the beginnings of the superstar she was about to become

Marilyn Monroe in 19522 of 6

Marilyn Monroe in 1952

This photograph perfectly showcases Marilyn's megawatt smile and impeccably groomed brows

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Marilyn Monroe in 1952

Monroe managed to pull off a fairly high octane beauty look with ease – her trademark red lipstick has become iconic, as has her famous beauty spot

Marilyn Monroe in 19534 of 6

Marilyn Monroe in 1953

When she decided to dye her hair platinum blonde to be more 'employable' as a model, Monroe morphed into the screen icon we know today.

Marilyn Monroe in 19545 of 6

Marilyn Monroe in 1954

In all her sultry glory, this is classic Monroe. We love her wet-look red lip and exaggerated winged liner – two things that are still championed today

Marilyn Monroe in 19556 of 6

Marilyn Monroe in 1955

Monroe's beauty spot and perfectly winged eyeliner may have been applied in 1955 but wouldn't look out of place today

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