Current Gallery: Post-Edwardian & Modern / postedwardianmodern109

Use the scrollbar to explore costumes in this gallery or select a time period above to visit a different gallery.

3 1685 80
  • Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee wearing an orange gown accented with sequins and beads in the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
    • Twentieth Century Studios

    Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

    1953

    Costume seen on Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee

  • Abbey Lincoln wearing an orange gown accented with sequins and beads in the 1956 film "The Girl Can't Help It."
    • Twentieth Century Studios

    The Girl Can't Help It

    1956

    Costume seen on Abbey Lincoln as herself

Additional Images

About the Costume

Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe is still a household name more than fifty years after her death. Millions still love her films, and a couple of the many iconic costumes that she wore over the years have sold for seven figure sums. 

William Travilla designed the majority of Marilyn’s gowns, and while we associate them with Marilyn and the roles she played, it is easy to forget that her wardrobe was the property of Twentieth Century Fox (now Twentieth Century Studios), the studio to which she was under contract. Most of her costumes eventually found a second life on other actresses, either in film or in promotional images for the studio.

This orange gown, accented with sequins and beads, appeared on Marilyn in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, where she played the character of Lorelei Lee. In 1956, the dress was used again on Abbey Lincoln, playing herself in The Girl Can’t Help It, where she performed a number entitled “Spread the Word.”

 

About the Costume

Have you seen this gown somewhere else? Do you need to be given credit for this sighting? Do you have corrections, additions or changes you would like to make?

Have you ever watched a film and noticed a character walk by in a gown that you just know you’ve seen before? Recycled Movie Costumes is dedicated to documenting the life of a costume through its various appearances on film and television.

Additional Images

About the Costume

Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe is still a household name more than fifty years after her death. Millions still love her films, and a couple of the many iconic costumes that she wore over the years have sold for seven figure sums. 

William Travilla designed the majority of Marilyn’s gowns, and while we associate them with Marilyn and the roles she played, it is easy to forget that her wardrobe was the property of Twentieth Century Fox (now Twentieth Century Studios), the studio to which she was under contract. Most of her costumes eventually found a second life on other actresses, either in film or in promotional images for the studio.

This orange gown, accented with sequins and beads, appeared on Marilyn in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, where she played the character of Lorelei Lee. In 1956, the dress was used again on Abbey Lincoln, playing herself in The Girl Can’t Help It, where she performed a number entitled “Spread the Word.”

 

Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe is still a household name more than fifty years after her death. Millions still love her films, and a couple of the many iconic costumes that she wore over the years have sold for seven figure sums. 

William Travilla designed the majority of Marilyn’s gowns, and while we associate them with Marilyn and the roles she played, it is easy to forget that her wardrobe was the property of Twentieth Century Fox (now Twentieth Century Studios), the studio to which she was under contract. Most of her costumes eventually found a second life on other actresses, either in film or in promotional images for the studio.

This orange gown, accented with sequins and beads, appeared on Marilyn in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, where she played the character of Lorelei Lee. In 1956, the dress was used again on Abbey Lincoln, playing herself in The Girl Can’t Help It, where she performed a number entitled “Spread the Word.”

 

Credits

Sighting Credit:
  • Lelia
Photos provided by:
Costume Designer:
  • William Travilla

Disclaimer

All intellectual property rights vests with the owner of the copyrighted material. Recycled Movie Costumes is not copying, distributing and using these materials except for entertainment purposes only and deems itself to be protected under the regulations of mandatory law (such as the right to quote), unless otherwise stated for certain material. We are happy to take down any material that the copyright owner/trademark owner feels is a violation of their statutory right. Before proceeding with the legal measures, we request the alleged aggrieved to contact us at submissions@recycledmoviecostumes.com for us to assist them with our cooperation.

The films/television shows/books and other media represented in the images on this website do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Recycled Movie Costumes. Said media may contain mature content. Viewer discretion is advised at all times.

Leave a Comment

Comment

Make an Edit

Do you have more information to add to this page?
Do you have a brand new costume to share? 

Comment