100 Most Influential People in Fashion

Fashion Influential #49: Marilyn Monroe

By Alicia on

Marilyn Monroe had to reshoot this famous Seven Year Itch scene over and over, causing quite a commotion. Via Hooked.

MARILYN MONROE
Born:
June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, CA
Died:
August 5, 1962 in Los Angeles, CA
Wore Designs by:
Jean Louis, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Jax, Christian Dior
Fans:
Madonna, Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali
Beginnings.
Marilyn Monroe's troubled upbringing, her torturous childhood marred by sexual abuse and her mother's schizophrenia, has become a crucial part of her myth. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, Monroe was shuttled between homes until she married a neighbor's son at the age of 16. During WWII, she began modeling while her husband served as a Merchant Marine. By 1946, she had caught the attention of a studio executive for 20th Century Fox, who signed her to a 6-month, $125 per week film contract.

Career Highs.
Monroe's small role in 1950's All About Eve landed her on the Hollywood map. She shot to stardom playing ditzy blondes in Monkey Business, Gentleman Prefer Blondes, and The Seven-Year Itch, her blank, giddy persona becoming an audience favorite in the early '50s. Costumers glorified her raw sex appeal by placing her in skin-tight, revealing clothing unusual for the heavily-censored films of the day.
This girl had something I hadn't seen since silent pictures. She had a kind of fantastic beauty like Gloria Swanson and she radiated sex like Jean Harlow. She didn't need a soundtrack to tell her story.
- Leon Shamroy, the cinematographer who shot Marilyn's first screen test

Monroe's 1962 death by overdose was labeled a suicide.
Career Lows.
Although she was universally regarded as a sex symbol, Monroe suffered from a fatal lack of self-confidence and a crippling case of stage fright. She was notorious for showing up late to the sets of her films, as she spent a lot of time in her dressing room, trying to overcome her nerves. Other stars criticized her for her uber-sexual appearance at Hollywood events, with fellow icon Joan Crawford once complaining to a reporter of Monroe's "vulgarity."

Legacy.
Criticisms aside, the platinum blonde glamazon that was Monroe's public persona left an indelible mark on fashion. Yes, she was the iconic "sweater girl" of her era, but she has also been a clear style inspiration to many of today's celebrity notables, including Madonna, Lindsay Lohan, and Christina Aguilera. Monroe famously wore a dress cut down to just above her navel to a Miss America Parade in 1952 - almost fifty years before Jennifer Lopez chose her green 2000 Grammy Awards dress.

Actress Lindsay Lohan recreated Marilyn Monroe's "Last Sitting" in 2007.

Get the Look.
You don't need a set of platinum blonde curls for a Marilyn-inspired look. She favored bright red lipstick, high-arched brows, and fake eyelashes. If you want to channel Marilyn for a party, look for a white halter dress - the style will forever be connected to the Hollywood icon.

- Alicia