Marilyn Monroe: 'The Gust Of Wind' That Revolutionised Fashion

Today, on the 62nd death anniversary of Marilyn Monroe, we remember the indelible mark she left on the world of fashion.

Beyond her iconic roles on the silver screen, Monroe's unique sense of style and captivating presence forever altered the landscape of the fashion industry. Her timeless elegance, signature looks, and daring choices continue to inspire designers, influencers, and enthusiasts alike.

Her Legacy To 'Curvy' Fashion

With her blonde hair, beauty marks, soft curls, and minimal yet evergreen looks, Monroe became the biggest sex symbol in the 1960s. Her unique blend of confidence, grace, and sensuality challenged prevailing beauty standards and celebrated the allure of curves.

The iconic star embraced her own body type by wearing body-fitting garments, be they gowns, midis, or even a basic t-shirt and skirt. It paved the way for a more inclusive and body-positive approach to style that continues to inspire and empower today.

Monroe's biggest fashion lesson was perhaps 'never hide your body'. Wear what suits you. Wear what fits you. Flaunt your curves. No matter what size you are, choose attire that complements and enhances your figure, and stop concealing it underneath the shapeless and extremely loose fabrics. Monroe was probably the star and fashion icon who backed and spoke about 'body positivity'.

Monroe's Most Iconic Looks

• The Seven Year Itch, 1955

Even today, the scene where Monroe's dress billows up from a subway grate remains etched in everyone's memory and contributes significantly to her enduring fame. To ensure modesty during the filming, Monroe wore double layers of undergarments, preventing any inadvertent exposure.

The iconic plunging halter gown became synonymous with Monroe's image. The very dress sold for a whopping $4 million in 2011.

• Meeting With Queen Elizabeth, 1956

Defying royal protocol, Monroe disregarded conventional norms when she appeared in a dazzling gold lamé gown to meet Queen Elizabeth II during a 1956 screening of The Battle of the River Plate at London's Empire Theatre. The event's guidelines expressly called for conservative and appropriate attire in the presence of royalty.

However, Monroe's attire, initially concealed by a complementary cape, featured a neckline so low-cut that it showed too much cleavage, according to royal guidelines.

• The Misfits, 1960

While donning a modest brown belt, a white cotton voile blouse, and a pair of Lady Levi's (the first line of jeans designed for women) in her role in 'The Misfits,' the Golden Globe recipient showcased an outfit that was basic for her image but exuded elegance. This ensemble left a significant imprint on style.

As reported by Vogue U.K., it was precisely this attire that played a pivotal role in advancing the popularity of denim among women.

• Sheer Dress For JFK's Birthday

Monroe wore the extravagant $12,000 sheer gown while serenading Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. DEsigned by Bob Mackie and meticulously crafted by Jean Louis, the semi-transparent beige gown was adorned with an impressive array of 2,500 hand-sewn crystals.

The bespoke creation was so impeccably fitted that Monroe supposedly needed to be sewn into it. Notably, she chose to forgo undergarments despite the presence of an 18-inch slit at the back. The gown sold for an unprecedented record-breaking sum of $4.81 million in 2015.

Lessons From Monroe's Fashion

Monroe's fashion not only taught body positivity but also disseminated several other lessons in the realm of fashion. Her looks were her signature. That is the first lesson. A Signature Look

The key to dressing confidently and owning the game of fashion is knowing what you look best in, what fits you well, and then walking down the road like that outfit was made for no one else but you.

Even today, when women are called out for showing their skin and given a moral lesson in how to keep your assets and skin under clothes, Monroe took it in her hands and decided to flaunt her cleavage with utmost grace, never making it look vulgar. From spaghetti dresses to sweetheart necklines, she never let a chance pass to flaunt her gifts.

Of Red Color, Beauty Marks & Short Hair

During the 1950s in the United States, Marilyn captured everyone's attention with the colour 'red'. From her legendary red lipstick look to the beautiful and ethereal red brocade evening gown, Monroe made 'red' the colour of a confident woman and not that of a whore.

She made beauty marks an essentially 'sexy' idea, bringing to life the idea that a little flaw makes things more beautiful and real. During the period when women were known for their long hair and so worshipped, she rebuilt the idea that short curly locks flowing till the shoulder can sharpen any look, from morning to evening.

From her daring and iconic wardrobe choices to her unapologetic embrace of her curvy figure, Monroe shattered stereotypes and set new standards of beauty and style that continue to reverberate through the fashion world. Her ability to seamlessly transition between classic elegance and contemporary audacity showcased her versatility and authenticity as a fashion icon.

Monroe's influence goes far beyond fabric and trends. It is a testament to her timeless appeal that her style continues to inspire, empower, and captivate generations, reminding us that true fashion extends beyond clothing—it's an expression of identity, courage, and the art of being unapologetically oneself.

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