Marilyn Monroe | "The Misfits" Press-Worn Jean-Louis Dress, with Book
An original Jean Louis painted-silk jersey cocktail dress worn by Marilyn Monroe for The Misfits (United Artists, 1961) cast press conference in the summer of 1960.
Jean Louis' design consists of a cream/beige silk jersey with a painted-abstract pattern in watercolors with light brush strokes that mirror the lightness of the fabric. The dress has a fitted bodice with hand-gathered pleats that are hand sewn into place. The bodice and skirt are sewn just below the waistline, while the skirt is also hand-pleated and accompanied by a sash/tie sewn in on both sides of the dress to cinch it and offer more definition. The abstract print contains magenta, and shades of green and brown. The print has circular rings that appear to ripple. The bodice and skirt are lined with a chiffon crepe, and the bodice has a lining hand-sewn inside and fitted in contrast to the outer layer of the skirt. A concealed zipper has hook-and-eyes that hide the closure. The hem of the skirt lands below the knee and is hand-tacked, beautifully constructed, and designed specifically for Marilyn, who was a fan of wearing silk jersey fabrics. There is no size label present, but there is a designer label that reads "Jean Louis," along with pen notations in black ink reading. "MM #2." The skirt has moderate discoloration with minor staining.
Jean Louis Berthault was an Academy Award-winning costume designer, whose effortless designs helped make stars more glamorous. He was the first costume designer to receive a "Gowns By" screen credit. Jean Louis' nude illusion dress for Marilyn that she wore on May 19, 1962, became one of the most famous gowns in pop culture, selling in 2016 for $4.8 million dollars, the most expensive piece of pop culture memorabilia of all time.
Together with a copy of the book Marilyn Monroe (Hamlyn Publishing Group, Ltd., 1974), which features an image of Monroe wearing the dress.
PROVENANCE Christie's The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe, Lot 138, October 27-28, 1999
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An original Jean Louis painted-silk jersey cocktail dress worn by Marilyn Monroe for The Misfits (United Artists, 1961) cast press conference in the summer of 1960.
Jean Louis' design consists of a cream/beige silk jersey with a painted-abstract pattern in watercolors with light brush strokes that mirror the lightness of the fabric. The dress has a fitted bodice with hand-gathered pleats that are hand sewn into place. The bodice and skirt are sewn just below the waistline, while the skirt is also hand-pleated and accompanied by a sash/tie sewn in on both sides of the dress to cinch it and offer more definition. The abstract print contains magenta, and shades of green and brown. The print has circular rings that appear to ripple. The bodice and skirt are lined with a chiffon crepe, and the bodice has a lining hand-sewn inside and fitted in contrast to the outer layer of the skirt. A concealed zipper has hook-and-eyes that hide the closure. The hem of the skirt lands below the knee and is hand-tacked, beautifully constructed, and designed specifically for Marilyn, who was a fan of wearing silk jersey fabrics. There is no size label present, but there is a designer label that reads "Jean Louis," along with pen notations in black ink reading. "MM #2." The skirt has moderate discoloration with minor staining.
Jean Louis Berthault was an Academy Award-winning costume designer, whose effortless designs helped make stars more glamorous. He was the first costume designer to receive a "Gowns By" screen credit. Jean Louis' nude illusion dress for Marilyn that she wore on May 19, 1962, became one of the most famous gowns in pop culture, selling in 2016 for $4.8 million dollars, the most expensive piece of pop culture memorabilia of all time.
Together with a copy of the book Marilyn Monroe (Hamlyn Publishing Group, Ltd., 1974), which features an image of Monroe wearing the dress.
PROVENANCE Christie's The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe, Lot 138, October 27-28, 1999
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