Marilyn Monroe’s Jeans Sell for $52K at Auction—The Iconic Pair That Once Graced ‘River of No Return’

Marilyn Monroe’s legendary status as a cultural icon transcends her roles on screen, and her personal items continue to captivate collectors and fans alike. The recent Bold Luxury: The Limelight Edit auction at Julien’s Auctions proved once again that Monroe’s allure remains unmatched. Among the standout items was a pair of jeans Monroe wore in the film River of No Return and a rare item from her personal makeup collection, both of which fetched impressive prices.

A Glimpse Into Monroe’s Chic and Functional Style

The auction featured a series of iconic items, including a Pandora minaudiere evening purse owned by Monroe. The palm-sized purse, which combines both style and function, was a true reflection of Monroe’s on-the-go lifestyle. According to Martin Nolan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions, the compact purse featured several compartments, each serving a practical purpose for the actress. “You can see her powder puff and there’s still a bit of powder on there,” Nolan said during a preview of the auction, which was captured by PEOPLE.

The evening purse contained two dimes, a comb, lipstick, and a stash of eight Philip Morris cigarettes—items that were likely used by Monroe during her busy, glamorous days. The purse remained one of the star items, although it did not sell at the auction. Yet, it epitomized Monroe’s ability to blend functionality with high-end luxury.

Monroe’s Jeans and Cowboy Boots Reach Stunning Prices

One of the auction’s most highly anticipated items was a pair of jeans Monroe wore in River of No Return, a 1954 film. The jeans, sold for $52,000, are a testament to Monroe’s enduring influence on fashion. These particular jeans, along with a pair of cowboy boots worn by Monroe in The Misfits, were part of the personal collection of fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee.

The cowboy boots, which Monroe famously wore while portraying Roslyn Taber in The Misfits, fetched an even more remarkable price of $78,000. The boots, known for their distinctive style, have been part of Hilfiger’s private collection since he purchased them at the Christie’s original Marilyn Monroe estate auction in 1999.

Nolan shared some of the history behind these items, noting, “There were three pairs in the lot. One pair he gave to Naomi Campbell, one pair he gave to Britney Spears, and one pair he kept. He had it in his office, framed, and now he’s letting go of them.” These items now find new homes, continuing Monroe’s legacy of influence in both fashion and film.

The Auction: A Testament to Monroe’s Timeless Appeal

Both the jeans and the boots were auctioned off as part of the Bold Luxury: The Limelight Edit event, which kicked off on March 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT. These items, along with other pieces from Monroe’s personal collection, serve as a reminder of her lasting impact on pop culture.

Monroe was renowned not only for her beauty and on-screen talent but also for her fashion sense. She was known for wearing iconic gowns created by costume designers in her films, many of which were showcased at red carpet events. Her ability to exude both glamour and practicality, as demonstrated by the auctioned items, continues to be part of her enduring legacy.

As for the Bold Luxury: The Limelight Edit auction, it proves once again that items associated with Monroe remain highly coveted, reflecting both the actress’s legendary status and her continued influence on style, culture, and history.

The sale of her jeans and cowboy boots at such impressive prices underscores the lasting allure of Marilyn Monroe—a star whose memory is far from fading, even decades after her untimely passing.