Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Subway Dress Sells for $4.6M – A Record-Breaking Auction Moment!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Marilyn Monroe’s legendary “subway” dress, famously worn in the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, has made history with a stunning auction price of $4.6 million. The sale, which included taxes and fees, ultimately brought in $5.52 million. The dress, known for its unforgettable scene where Monroe’s white dress billows up over a subway grate, is one of the most recognizable garments in movie history, solidifying its place in Hollywood legend.
A Record-Breaking Sale
The auction, held in 2011, was part of a larger collection of Hollywood memorabilia amassed by actress Debbie Reynolds, which collectively fetched an impressive $22.8 million. Monroe’s dress, designed by William Travilla, far exceeded pre-sale estimates of $1-2 million, setting a record at the time for the highest price ever paid for a dress at auction. It surpassed the previous record, held by Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which sold for $923,187.
The sale of Monroe’s dress was conducted by Profiles in History, an auction house known for handling significant Hollywood artifacts. Other standout items from the auction included Audrey Hepburn’s ascot dress from My Fair Lady, which sold for $4.4 million, and Judy Garland’s iconic blue cotton dress from The Wizard of Oz, which went for $1.09 million. Despite the high-profile nature of the sale, the buyer of Monroe’s dress chose to remain anonymous.
The Significance of the Dress
The “subway” dress is iconic not just for its design but for its cultural impact, cemented by one of the most famous moments in film history. In The Seven Year Itch, Monroe’s character stands above a subway grate, and as a train passes, her dress billows up, creating one of cinema’s most enduring and sensual images. The scene is often referenced and parodied in pop culture, further solidifying the dress’s status as a symbol of Monroe’s enduring legacy.
The dress’s influence extended beyond the film, inspiring recreations in other films like Shrek 2 and Blades of Glory. It was even voted the number one iconic celebrity fashion moment by Cancer Research UK, a testament to its lasting cultural significance.
Debbie Reynolds’ Collection and Auction
The auction of Monroe’s dress was part of a larger sale of nearly 600 pieces of Hollywood history from the personal collection of Debbie Reynolds. Reynolds, a beloved actress and collector, had spent decades gathering costumes and memorabilia with the intention of creating a museum to showcase Hollywood’s rich history. However, due to financial difficulties, she was forced to auction off her prized collection.
While Reynolds’ museum plans were not realized, the auction allowed the public and collectors to own a piece of Hollywood history. The second portion of the auction was scheduled for December 3, 2011, and included additional treasures from the golden age of cinema.
Conclusion
Marilyn Monroe’s “subway” dress, once worn in a now-iconic film scene, continues to captivate audiences and collectors alike, fetching an extraordinary price at auction. The dress’s cultural significance, along with its association with one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, ensures that it remains a powerful symbol of both Monroe’s legacy and the broader allure of classic cinema. The record-setting sale underscores not only the lasting appeal of Monroe but also the growing market for Hollywood memorabilia, where legendary artifacts continue to command millions.
