Marilyn Monroe

You may perhaps have already caught on that I am a little bit obsessed with Marilyn Monroe. So I thought it was high time I created a page with all my Marilyn reproduction outfits, as well as any inspiration or sewing plans.

My first ever Marilyn outfit was the strapless pink gown worn during "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" in Gentlemen prefer blondes. I made this rather amateurishly back in June 2011 when I competed in Miss Pinup Australia

Live heats in QLD 2011

Later at the Grand finals (I went Blonder)

For my Evening wear of the NSW Finals of Miss Pinup Australia (November 2011 I think) I made and wore a version of the Orange chiffon evening dress from the dining scene of Gentlemen prefer blondes. You have no idea how hard it was to find orange beaded trim. Unfortunately I had some issues drafting the pattern for this dress, and so in the end didn't completely love it (and it was quite unflattering on me) so after this event it was shoved in a bag in my sewing room and pretty much forgotten

Next up is an outfit I have worn many times since. The charcoal wiggle dress with leopard print stole and muff from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (the scene where they are boarding the cruise ship) which I made as my day wear for the Miss Pinup Australia Grand Finals. I also won best dressed one year at Kurri Kurri Nostalgia festival wearing this outfit.

I even wore it when I was boarding my first cruise last year! (and the next one, and the next one)

For my Evening wear for the Grand Finals of Miss Pinup Australia, I chose to make another dress as I wasn't happy with the orange chiffon dress. This time I made the tiger stripe dress from the fantasy scene in the seven year itch. Looking back, I can see parts I could have drafted better, and sewn better, but I was very happy with it at the time. If I were to make it again, I would draft the bust cups differently, use boning in the bodice and line the skirt. I still love this dress, so I will probably make another version of it one day. These photos were taken by Alan Cameron of Primeval edge photography.

I don't have any very clear shots of this swimsuit that I made attempting to copy one Marilyn wore in one of her shoots. This was my first attempt at sewing a swimsuit, so it didn't turn out very well unfortunately.

Easily my most ambitious Marilyn reproduction to date is my version of the white subway dress from the Seven year itch. Even though I only had a few days to create it, I still attempted to make the dress as accurately as I could. I absolutely adore this dress.

Recently I made this cute little wiggle dress from Gentlemen prefer blondes. I've had comments already about it being very different from my usual attire. I'm not sure if that's because it's not pink, or if it's because it's a little more sensible than a lot of the outfits I wear. Anyway, I love how it turned out, and it has started me getting more interested in some of Marilyn's more practical styles (both from movies and real life)

I also made a very quick version of the cropped red jacket from Niagara

My next outfit in planning is the Jewel toned Jumpsuit from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. I've got the fabric, but I just have to find the time! (update, it's partially made, but I'm not loving it)

I have also begun pleating some gold dance satin in sunburst pleats to attempt my own version of the notorious Gold Lame dress. I will hopefull one day find some affordable, authentic lame to make a version out of, but for now I'm settling for satin. I have draped the fabric on my mannequin and have a good idea of how the pattern will go.

I also tried to recreate the pale blue suit from Niagara as part of the Vintage Suit Sew-along. It took some time to find enough of the fabric, but once I had it, I was ready to go! In hindsight, I should have done a shawl collar instead, but I still like how it turned out.

I recently bought some sequined mesh to use as a base for this dress from Some like it Hot, but I may wait until I lose some weight before I pull off this backless, underwearless look.

I would love to hear of anyone else's Marilyn Monroe reproduction sews (they seem to be few and far between) or even any suggestions for my next one!

Dixie