Marilyn Monroe: The Seven-Year Itch Look


Marilyn Monroe was a fashion icon in the 1950s and continues to be an inspiration for many designers and fashion enthusiasts today. Her style was characterised by a mix of glamour, femininity, and sensuality, often featuring form-fitting dresses, heels, and bold lipstick. One of her most iconic fashion moments was when she famously sang "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" to President John F. Kennedy wearing a billowing white dress designed by Jean Louis. The dress was a flesh-coloured, form-fitting sheath that featured thousands of sequins and was worn over a flesh-coloured body stocking.

Throughout her career, Monroe was often seen wearing clothing by designer Emilio Pucci. Pucci's designs were known for their bold prints and bright colours, which suited Monroe's vibrant and vivacious personality. Monroe was also known for her love of costume jewellery, and she often wore statement pieces such as oversized earrings and chunky bracelets. Even today, Marilyn Monroe's style continues to inspire many fashion designers, and her iconic look can still be seen on many runways and in fashion magazines.

The Blowing Skirts

Marilyn Monroe captivated a group of fortunate bystanders as her white dress billowed suggestively above her knees and occasionally over her head. In 1954, on Lexington Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Streets in New York City, director Billy Wilder was filming a scene for the movie The Seven Year Itch. A breeze from the subway passing below lifts Monroe’s skirt as she and co-star Tom Ewell leave a theatre, according to the plot. As any decent woman of the time would have done, Monroe says, "Isn’t it delicious?" rather than scurrying to cover her legs.

Marilyn Monroe's undisputed top Hollywood icon status was cemented by her ivory halter-neck dress with an accordion pleated skirt, which made fashion and film history. The designer would describe it as "cool and clean, in a nasty, dirty city," because he wanted Marilyn to look "fresh and clean, talcum powdered and charming." It was Grecian-style with a distinctly 1950s touch. "The garment conveyed Monroe with all her paradoxes—nave and calculating, vulnerable and courageous," said Deborah Nadoolman Landis, professor of costume design at UCLA in California. The humorous and seductive tableau that Wilder produced became an iconic representation of Marilyn Monroe.

She Loved Bold Colours

Marilyn Monroe was also known for her love of bright and bold colours. She often wore dresses and outfits in shades of red, pink, and yellow, which helped her stand out on screen and on the red carpet. She was also known for her love of prints, and she often wore dresses and blouses with polka dots, stripes, and floral patterns.

New Look

Monroe was also a fan of the "New Look" style, which was popularised by Christian Dior in the late 1940s. The "New Look" featured full skirts, cinched waists, and feminine silhouettes, which suited Monroe's hourglass figure.

Makeup

In addition to her fashion sense, Monroe was also known for her hair and makeup. She had a signature hairstyle, known as the "Marilyn Monroe," which involved her blonde hair being styled in loose curls with a deep side part. She was also known for her bold red lipstick and heavy eyeliner, which helped to emphasise her eyes and full lips.

Classic And Elegant Clothing

Marilyn Monroe was also known for her love of classic and elegant clothing. She often wore tailored suits and simple yet sophisticated dresses. Monroe was also a fan of off-the-shoulder tops and dresses, which highlighted her famous curves. Monroe was also known for her love of glamour and luxurious fabrics, such as silk and satin. She often wore dresses and robes made from these fabrics, which added to her sensual and alluring image.

Her Style

Marilyn Monroe was also a fan of the hourglass figure look, which was popular in the 1950s. She often wore corsets and girdles to accentuate her waist and hips, and her dresses were often designed to highlight her curves. Her style was a mix of classic Hollywood glamour and contemporary fashion. She was able to blend these different styles seamlessly and create her iconic look. Many fashion designers and stylists have been influenced by her style and continue to incorporate elements of it into their designs. Marilyn Monroe's style was a perfect blend of glamour, elegance, and sensuality, which made her stand out in the fashion world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Marilyn Monroe was a fashion icon of her time, and her style continues to be an inspiration to many designers and fashion enthusiasts today. Her style was characterised by a mix of glamour, femininity, and sensuality. She was known for her love of form-fitting dresses, heels, and bold lipstick, as well as her love of classic and elegant clothing, luxurious fabrics, and statement jewelry. She was also well-known for her love of bright and bold colors, prints, and her hourglass figure.

In addition, her hair and makeup were her signature looks and helped to define her iconic image. Monroe's influence on fashion is undeniable. Marilyn Monroe's fashion sense was a reflection of her confident, sensual, and feminine personality. Her iconic style continues to be an inspiration to many fashion designers and stylists, and her influence can be seen in many fashion trends even today.

Updated on: 06-Feb-2023

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