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Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” Dress – 
$4.8 Million
👗 Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” Dress

💰 Price: $4.8 Million (sold at Julien’s Auctions, 2016)
👩‍🎤 Worn by: Marilyn Monroe
🎨 Designer: Jean Louis
📅 Year: 1962


Details
  • This stunning, nude-colored gown was custom-designed for Marilyn Monroe to wear during her legendary performance of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” for President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962.

  • The dress was so tight that Monroe was literally sewn into it before going on stage.

  • It featured over 2,500 hand-stitched rhinestones, each placed to shimmer under stage lighting, giving the illusion that she was glowing.

  • The fabric was made from a sheer silk soufflé, designed to match her skin tone perfectly — making the gown appear as if it was part of her.


💎 Why It’s So Expensive
  • Historical significance: The performance became one of the most talked-about cultural moments of the 20th century.

  • Craftsmanship: Hand-sewn with intricate detailing by an Oscar-winning designer.

  • Celebrity association: Monroe’s legend and the Kennedy connection elevate its value far beyond material worth.

  • Rarity: One of the few surviving couture gowns directly tied to such a famous public performance.


🏛️ Ownership History
  • Originally designed by Jean Louis for Marilyn in 1962.

  • Sold at auction in 1999 for over $1.26 million.

  • Resold in 2016 by Julien’s Auctions for $4.8 million to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, where it’s occasionally exhibited under high security and climate-controlled conditions.

  • In 2022, it was briefly worn by Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala (causing controversy due to its delicate preservation needs).


Some pictures of this ensemble :



Made by :
🎨 Designer: Jean Louis (1907–1997)
  • Full name: Jean Louis Berthault

  • Origin: Paris, France 🇫🇷

  • Career: Moved to Hollywood in the 1930s and became one of the most respected costume designers in film history.

  • Notable Work: Designed gowns for stars like Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, and Marilyn Monroe.

  • Signature Style: Elegant, body-hugging silhouettes that enhanced a woman’s natural form; famous for his use of luxurious fabrics and hand-embellished details.

  • Awards: Won an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Costume Design for “The Solid Gold Cadillac” (1956).

  • Legacy: His creation for Marilyn Monroe — the rhinestone-covered nude gown — became one of the most recognizable and valuable dresses in history.


🎬 More Notable Designs by Jean Louis
 Film / Actress :
Gilda (1946), Rita Hayworth — Black strapless satin gown

Description of the Ensemble / Costume :
The iconic gown worn during “Put The Blame On Mame.” Features a straight neckline, side slit, and was engineered with a harness so it stayed in place while she sang and danced. Wikipédia+1

Why It’s Memorable :
Became one of cinema’s most recognizable evening gowns; launched the strapless gown as a fashion staple. Encyclopedia+2thevintagenews+2
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 Film / Actress :
Salome (1953), Rita Hayworth — Blue Roman gown with train & bronze breastplate

Description of the Ensemble / Costume :
Lavish period piece costume: dramatic, opulent, blending classical motifs with cinematic drama. martinturnbull.com
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 Film / Actress :
A Star Is Born — Judy Garland

Description of the Ensemble / Costume :
Jean Louis designed several outfits in this film, including a navy blue bolero and slit skirt for “Gotta Have Me Go With You,” black satin for the Academy Award acceptance, and gold brocade with fox fur for the finale. The Independent

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 Film / Actress :
Imitation of Life (1959), Lana Turner — Pantsuit / Slim afternoon wear & glamorous dresses

Description of the Ensemble / Costume :
In this film, Turner is dressed in elegant and modern late-50s / early-60s style ensembles: high fashion suits, evening gowns, all with Jean Louis’s signature flattering cuts. collectingclassichollywood.com
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 Film / Actress :
They Came to Cordura (1959), Rita Hayworth — Contemporary wardrobe (desert wear, etc.)

Description of the Ensemble / Costume :
More understated compared to his evening pieces, but still tailored; demonstrates his range in outfitting actresses in both dramatic and practical settings. bellaonline.com+1


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