Marilyn Monroe was an icon when she died in 1962. After five decades, "The Seven Year Itch" actress still captivates hearts and writes history. On November 17, in Los Angeles, Monroe's famous "Happy Birthday" dress was sold at $4.8 million in an auction.
Julien's Auctions showcased the once-in-a-lifetime Marilyn Monroe collections and opened it for bidding. The collection includes the actress' film-worn costumes, jewelry, and personal items from David Gainsborough Roberts' curated collection. There are also documents and personal items once owned by the star from the Estate of Strasberg. It also contains Monroe's film costumes from movies like "Niagara" and "Some Like It Hot."
The Ripley's Believe It or Not chain of museums bid the highest for the "Happy Birthday" dress of Marilyn Monroe. Monroe wore the famous dress on May 19, 1962 when she sang to President John F. Kennedy her cover of "Happy Birthday." The president was celebrating his 45th birthday at a Democratic fundraiser event in Madison Square Garden.
The "Happy Birthday" dress was designed by Jean Louis and originally cost $12,000. It was originally sketched by Bob Mackie as his first job after college. The dress is gleaming with over 2,500 crystals and 6,000 hand-sewn rhinestones. It a sheer, flesh-colored gown fitted to Marilyn Monroe's figure. The Guardian said the gown was so tight fitting that the star was reported to have been sewn into it before she rendered her performance.
According to Edward Meyer, Vice-President for archives and exhibits of Ripley's Believe it or Not, the dress is the most iconic piece of pop culture that represents the story of 1960s era. The gown, in fact, is the most expensive piece of clothing ever sold, according to CNN. Ripley's will most likely exhibit the dress in its Marilyn Monroe Gallery at Ripley's Hollywood Odditorium. Ripley's has plans of eventually displaying the dress at some of its 33 Odditoriums across the globe.
