A Piece of Marilyn Monroe’s History: Her Famous 1950s Jeans Are Set to Be Auctioned

Marilyn Monroe’s iconic style continues to captivate the world, and a new piece of her wardrobe is about to make waves once again. A pair of blue jeans worn by the legendary actress during the 1950s is set to be auctioned off, with a price estimated between $30,000 and $50,000. The auction will take place on March 27, 2025, as part of Julien’s Auctions’ Bold Luxury: The Limelight Edit, held at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and available online.

This pair of zip-fly jeans, originally purchased from J.C. Penney, was worn by Monroe in the film River of No Return, adding cinematic history to its legacy. The jeans show some distressing on the front leg, a detail that adds to their vintage charm. On the inside, they feature a label reading “1-68-1-0435 Helen Thurston A-713,” a reference to Monroe’s body double, Helen Thurston.

Previously owned by renowned fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, the jeans were purchased by him for $37,000 at a Christie’s New York sale titled The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe. Hilfiger, known for his vast collection of celebrity memorabilia, including items from the likes of Britney Spears and Naomi Campbell, will now part with this rare piece of Monroe’s wardrobe.

The Marilyn Monroe Auction Legacy

This auction is part of a growing trend of sales involving Marilyn Monroe’s personal items, each piece offering a glimpse into the actress’s glamorous and tumultuous life. Monroe’s famous white dress from The Seven Year Itch, designed by William Travilla, remains one of the most memorable fashion moments in cinematic history. However, as this auction proves, other items from her wardrobe hold equally significant value.

Monroe’s crystal-encrusted gown from President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 birthday celebration, created by Jean Louis, made headlines when it sold for an astounding $4.8 million. This sale set a precedent for how iconic Monroe’s fashion items have become in the realm of celebrity memorabilia.

In a world where celebrity auctions are becoming more common, the sale of Monroe’s possessions offers both collectors and fans a rare chance to own a piece of history. Whether it’s the famed dress or now, a pair of everyday jeans, Monroe’s influence continues to reign over pop culture, cementing her status as a style icon.

A Timeless Icon

Monroe’s allure has only grown since her untimely death in 1962. For fans, collectors, and fashion enthusiasts alike, owning a part of her wardrobe is like holding a piece of Hollywood history. As one of the most recognized figures in the world, her personal items, especially clothing that captured moments from her life, are seen as treasures that continue to inspire admiration and intrigue.

With the auction of Monroe’s 1950s jeans, the legacy of the starlet lives on, further proving that her influence on fashion and culture is as enduring as ever. Whether or not the jeans hit their expected price, their significance as a historical artifact tied to Monroe’s life and legacy is undeniable.