The Original Naked Dress Just Sold for Nearly $5 Million
If you thought Marilyn Monroe's old shopping receipts selling for $700 was wild, get ready to be shocked because her iconic Jean Louis dress just sold for $4.81 million at an auction hosted by Julien's in Los Angeles. Monroe donned the custom creation on May 19, 1962, at a Madison Square Garden fundraiser where she famously sang "Happy Birthday" to President John. F. Kennedy.
The nearly nude gown had an original price tag of $12,000 and was said to be so tight that the actress wore nothing underneath and was sewn into it before going on stage. Regardless, the crystal-rhinestone embellished silk gauze number has gone down in history as one of Monroe's most memorable fashion moments. So who was the lucky buyer of the multi-million dollar gown? Ripley's Believe it or Not is now the proud owner of the iconic dress.
Check out a video to learn more about Marilyn's dress, and keep scrolling to shop our modern-day eveningwear picks.
Which one of Marilyn Monroe's iconic looks is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
Opening Image: M. Garrett/Getty Images
Bianca Jagger
Who are your 5 favorite people to follow on Instagram?@lallo25 @dilokritbarose @beautyisboring_ @condenasttraveler @thefatjewish
What's the beauty essential you can’t live without?My Foreo Luna
What's your desert island album?Continuum, John Mayer
What's your favorite Byrdie.com story?-
From Molasses Auburn to Barbie Bangs—These Are the Only Hair Trends That Matter This Winter
Sydney Sweeney's and Jennifer Aniston's stylists say so!
By Jamie Schneider
-
My Friend Wants a Chic Wardrobe—I Sent Her These Early Black Friday Fashion Deals
Discounted gems from Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, and more.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
This Was Marilyn Monroe's Exact Skincare Routine, and Yes, You Can Still Shop It
Plus the tips she followed for skin cleansing, product application, and more.
By Erin Jahns
-
Kim Kardashian Won the Met Gala in Marilyn Monroe's Iconic Naked Dress, Period
Mic drop.
By Eliza Huber
-
These 9 Outfits Prove That Marilyn Monroe Is a Timeless Style Icon
Get ready for some major inspiration.
By Dale Arden Chong
-
This Is What Airport Style Looked Like the Decade You Were Born
Everyone wore this item in the '90s.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Marilyn Monroe's Honeymoon Outfit Is Very 2019
Her 1956 look is so on trend this year.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
The One Trend I'm Stealing From Marilyn Monroe for Summer
In honor of her birthday today.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
The Best Red Carpet Looks From Old Hollywood
So many great fashion moments.
By Kristen Nichols
-
Marilyn Monroe's Iconic Naked Dress Is Up for Auction
Here's proof that she was way ahead of the trend.
By Erin Fitzpatrick