Hello, Norma Jean : Pieces from the estate of Marilyn Monroe on view at Christie’s through Tuesday allow us to get to know a woman of timeless style--and ineffable loneliness.
A walk through “The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe” exhibit at the Christie’s auction house in Beverly Hills leaves one saddened by the sense of loneliness conveyed by her possessions.
Monroe was a product of her own invention--a woman of incredible presence, style and simplicity. Racks of black dresses reveal that she understood that her hourglass figure, platinum hair, seductive walk and breathy voice were the star attraction, not her clothes or jewels.
Her wardrobe was modest. A bright pink Pucci dress still has its Saks Fifth Avenue label. Her jeans were from JCPenney. Her jewelry was mostly costume, except for a 35-baguette diamond eternity ring (with one stone missing) given by second husband Joe DiMaggio.
Unlike most celebrities today, Monroe paid for almost everything she wore, even though she usually was broke. On the auction block this fall, along with 1,500 other items, is the famous semi-transparent, sequined gown she wore in 1962 to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy. It cost her $12,000.
She was close to Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo but paid for every one of the 20 pairs of stilettos (only 10 are on display here) to be sold.
“There’s something very unpretentious about her wardrobe,” says Simon Doonan, creative director at Barneys New York, who styled the show. “Her clothes are actually quite conservative and somewhat country club.”
And timeless. “When you look at her collection of black dresses, it’s like going into Barneys. The dresses look just as wearable today,” says Eugene Grisanti, president of International Flavors & Fragrances, the exhibit’s sponsor.
Monroe willed her possessions to acting coach and surrogate father Lee Strasberg. His widow, Anna Strasberg, who has declined all interviews, will not say why she put some items up for sale. Most of the proceeds will go to charities, including the Literacy Partners and World Wildlife Fund.
The sale is creating interest comparable to that generated by the auctions of Princess Diana’s gowns and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ estate. Grisanti hopes to introduce a perfume dedicated to Monroe.
The exhibit is free through Tuesday at Christie’s, 360 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 385-2600. A catalog will be available in September for $95. To order, call (800) 395-6300.
