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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
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.
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.
- Location :
Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
