Tuesday, October 7, 2025
21.1 C
New Delhi

Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic ‘Happy Birthday’ Gown, Linked To Her Untimely Death, Returns To Auction

Curated By :

Last Updated:

Marilyn Monroe’s iconic Jean Louis gown from her 1962 “Happy Birthday, Mr President” performance at Madison Square Garden returns to auction in Los Angeles

font

Marilyn Monroe's dress is expected to fetch around $3 million (approx. Rs 25 crore).

Marilyn Monroe’s dress is expected to fetch around $3 million (approx. Rs 25 crore).

It was May 1962 at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The lights dimmed, the curtains drew back, and onto the stage walked the most famous actress in the world, Marilyn Monroe. The audience held its breath. Then came that iconic moment. Looking towards the dais, Monroe whispered into the microphone, “Happy Birthday, Mr President…,” and the entire hall erupted in applause.

It was more than a song. It was history. A rare instance when Hollywood glamour, political power, and personal mystery collided before the world’s eyes.

Recommended Stories

At the centre of that unforgettable performance was a gown unlike any other. Designed by Jean Louis, the dress was hand-stitched, skin-tight, and encrusted with shimmering crystals that made Monroe appear as though she wore nothing at all. So snug was the outfit that, according to accounts, Monroe had to be stitched into it moments before stepping on stage.

Now, more than six decades later, that very gown is once again in the spotlight. According to a BBC report, the dress is set to go under the hammer in Los Angeles on November 17, with a starting price estimated at around $3 million (approximately Rs 25 crore).

The gown has long been considered an “iconic piece” in the history of fashion and pop culture. To many, it represents not merely couture but a story; the story of a woman who captivated the world with her voice, her beauty, and her daring style.

When Monroe serenaded US President John F Kennedy in that whisper-soft tone, it blurred the line between politics and performance. To this day, the memory of that brief but electrifying moment endures.

What made the moment even more poignant is what followed soon after. Monroe died under mysterious circumstances only weeks later. Debate still lingers – was it an accident, a conspiracy, or suicide? Her tragic end cast a shadow over the performance, turning the gown into more than fashion: it became a relic of Monroe’s final, glittering chapter in public life.

This is not the gown’s first appearance at auction. In 1999, it was purchased for about $1.2 million. Years later, in 2016, it shattered records when it sold for $4.8 million. With its return to the auction block in 2025, experts predict it could command an even higher price, driven by its cultural weight and collector demand.

Even decades later, the gown remains part of contemporary conversations. In 2022, reality star Kim Kardashian wore the dress at the Met Gala, sparking heated controversy after reports emerged of damage to the fragile fabric. Critics argued that such an artifact should never have been worn again, underscoring just how deeply this single piece of clothing resonates.

For Monroe admirers and fashion historians alike, the gown is a reminder that clothes can sometimes transcend style to become symbols of history.

News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated.

News lifestyle Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic ‘Happy Birthday’ Gown, Linked To Her Untimely Death, Returns To Auction
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Loading comments…

Go to Source
Author: News18

Hot this week

Indian Man’s US Visa Revoked, Faces Deportation After Perfume Labelled ‘Opium’ Mistaken For Drugs

Curated By : Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 07:21 IST Raghu, who is married to an American citizen and was in the process of obtaining permanent residency, was pulled over by Benton police on 3 May for traffic violation. Read More

‘Happy To Work With Democrats’: Trump Open To Healthcare Deal, But Says Govt Must Reopen First

Curated By : Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 07:23 IST The shutdown began a week ago after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill, with disputes over healthcare funding. Read More

‘They Were Ready To Go At It’: Donald Trump Again Claims He Helped Avert India-Pakistan War

Curated By : Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 07:25 IST Donald Trump claimed his tariff policies not only enriched the US economy but also helped stop a potential war between India and Pakistan during India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’. Read More

Donald Trump Pushes Israel And Hamas To “Move Fast” On Gaza Peace Plan, But Key Issues Linger | 4K

Indirect talks aimed at reaching a final agreement on a US peace plan to end the war in Gaza have begun in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Read More

Fans react as DP wears hijab, Ranveer sports long beard in ad

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh made their first public appearance as parents in a new ad, showcasing a different look and engaging in playful banter. The ad, set in Abu Dhabi, highlights serene spots and personal reflections. Read More

Topics

Indian Man’s US Visa Revoked, Faces Deportation After Perfume Labelled ‘Opium’ Mistaken For Drugs

Curated By : Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 07:21 IST Raghu, who is married to an American citizen and was in the process of obtaining permanent residency, was pulled over by Benton police on 3 May for traffic violation. Read More

‘Happy To Work With Democrats’: Trump Open To Healthcare Deal, But Says Govt Must Reopen First

Curated By : Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 07:23 IST The shutdown began a week ago after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill, with disputes over healthcare funding. Read More

‘They Were Ready To Go At It’: Donald Trump Again Claims He Helped Avert India-Pakistan War

Curated By : Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 07:25 IST Donald Trump claimed his tariff policies not only enriched the US economy but also helped stop a potential war between India and Pakistan during India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’. Read More

Donald Trump Pushes Israel And Hamas To “Move Fast” On Gaza Peace Plan, But Key Issues Linger | 4K

Indirect talks aimed at reaching a final agreement on a US peace plan to end the war in Gaza have begun in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Read More

Fans react as DP wears hijab, Ranveer sports long beard in ad

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh made their first public appearance as parents in a new ad, showcasing a different look and engaging in playful banter. The ad, set in Abu Dhabi, highlights serene spots and personal reflections. Read More

NHRC Takes Note Of Worker’s Death At Delhi Airport’s T3, Asks For Report In 2 Weeks | News18 Impact

Reported By : Edited By: Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 07:00 IST The crime scene was found to be cleaned up before forensics arrived, leading the Delhi Police to register a case for tampering of evidence and causing death by negligence Read More

Trump Announces 25% Tariffs On Medium, Heavy-Duty Trucks From November 1

Show Quick Read Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that every medium and heavy-duty truck imported into the United States will be hit with a 25 percent tariff starting November 1 Read More

Related Articles