Emulated for decades, Marilyn Monroe’s influence remains as provocative as her legend. Born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926, died on Aug. 5, 1962, Norma Jean Baker, who would later be dubbed the blond bombshell for her electric sex appeal, would have celebrated her centennial birthday this year and continues to defy what it means to be an icon with a fan base that has never wavered.
Kim Kardashian in Marilyn Monroe’s Jean Louis designed dress at the 2022 Met Gala celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” Chris Polk/WWD
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Monroe, cast her spell on fashion when going from brunette to platinum blond on the advice of her agent. Her most recognizable attribute as carefully curated as her favorite stiletto shoes — many designed by Ferragamo — her arched brows, beauty mole, bare shoulders and memorable sultry, whispery vocals. She wore Pucci, Norman Norell and American sportswear and declared she only wore Chanel No.5 to bed because she’d rather not say she slept naked.
Many of her most memorable fashion moments were designed by costume designers. Her white halter dress from the 1955 film “The Seven-Year Itch” was designed by William Travilla, and that infamous figure hugging “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress worn to serenade JFK designed by Jean Louis (Berthault) — who also designed her polka dot bikini — have kept Monroe’s enduring influence central to the zeitgeist.
Women’s Wear Daily made notes on her style, and the designers, celebrities and the countless imitators inspired by her likeness. Keeping notes on her fashion choices and changes in its headlines from 1950 the decade that saw her timely rise and untimely death and beyond.
Naomi Campbell in Gianni Versace, 1991 and Marc Jacobs “Joy” collection, 2024. Fairchild Archive/WWD
In 1956, the reviews of her costumes for the film “The Sleeping Prince,” inclusive of a long narrow skirt silhouette and culotte skirt predictably influenced the market. In the same year when Monroe announced that she “rarely wore stockings,” she upended the hosiery industry with the barelegged trend. Monroe also advocated for the popularity of the chemise dress, wearing and ordering the look for her closet. She helped to popularize the “sweater girl” fitted short-sleeve cashmere sweater trend. Hers was made by Lyle & Scott, who collaborated with Christian Dior and made long oversize bulky sweaters over skinny pants a classic seasonal look.
Anna Nicole Smith on the runway at the fall 2004 Heatherette show in New York. Fairchild Archive/WWD
John Aquino
Decades of admiration have helped resurface Monroe’s popularity. There have been T-shirts, namesake perfumes, makeup by Max Factor and lingerie all epitomized by her star. Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, Givenchy, Bob Mackie and Guess Jeans have paid homage. Celebrities from movies to music — Madonna, Anna Nicole Smith, Kim Kardashian, Michelle Williams, Ana de Armas and Sabrina Carpenter — continue to infuse Monroe’s bombshell glamour on screen and the red carpet.
From WWD and the Fairchild Archive, we’re celebrating Monroe’s 100th birthday and her undeniable influence on fashion and celebrity through the years.
