Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress sells for £3.87m

Marilyn Monroe dress sells for nearly £4m at auction
Marilyn Monroe dress sells for nearly £4m at auction



The famous dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang 'Happy Birthday Mr President' to John F Kennedy has sold for a world record price at Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles, fetching $4.8 million (£3.87 million).

The piece of A-list history was bought by museum chain Ripley's Believe It Or Not.

The custom-made Jean Louis piece features more than 2,500 hand-stitched crystals and it was so tight that Monroe was said to have been sewn into it before her performance for JFK.

The auction listing stated: "Under a bright spotlight, the legendary Marilyn Monroe walked on stage and peeled away her white ermine fur coat, revealing a skintight, sheer, flesh-colored dress that sparkled with over 2,500 hand-stitched crystals. "

Adding: "The song and performance were remembered for many reasons, not the least because it was one of her last public appearances before her untimely death less than three months later.

"Sadly, President Kennedy died a year later and that infamous night at MSG was the last known time they saw each other."

Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien's Auctions, said: "To be part of the continued interest around this legend is always thrilling.

"This dress, this story, this momentous occasion represents a defining moment in history.

"This auction will remind the world why Marilyn Monroe remains an icon."

The previous most expensive dress sold at auction was Monroe's white outfit from 'The Seven Year Itch' which sold for $4.6m in 2011.

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