Tribute to Marilyn Monroe: Forever cherished

What is it about Marilyn Monroe that continues to captivate audiences decades after her passing? Perhaps it's her mesmerising beauty, timeless glamour and enigmatic personality that allows her to remain such an intriguing figure whose individual charm has transcended generations.

Join us as we explore the ever popular Marilyn Monroe, delving into her captivating appeal, remarkable quirks and her early years that shaped her into the everlasting symbol of beauty and grace that she is.

The enigmatic allure of Marilyn Monroe

From the silver screen to pop culture, Marilyn Monroe's allure knows no bounds. Her magnetism, radiant smile and perfect hourglass figure have etched an irreversible mark on our collective consciousness. With her unique blend of sensuality, vulnerability and innocence, Monroe is loved by audiences of all ages, casting her image as an eternal symbol of feminine mystique.

The eternal charisma

Style and fashion

Monroe's fashion revolutionised the fashion industry, none more so than her signature blonde curls, red lips and iconic white dress in the 1955 film, The Seven Year Itch. As her white dress billowed in the wind, she uttered the adorable words: "Isn't it delicious?". Little did she know how much this very moment would enamour the world for decades!

Marilyn looked stunning in anything she wore from basic tailored shorts and tees to elaborate ball gowns, she was classic Hollywood glamour. Almost 60 years on from her passing, Monroe continues to inspire contemporary fashion trends, proving that her style remains timeless.

Photographic perfection

Monroe's striking photographs both candid and posed, captured her luminosity and vulnerability. Some photographers however, captured her troubled side too. Bert Stern's mammoth three day photoshoot of Monroe in mid 1962 for example, resulted in over 2500 images, many of which she disliked and crossed out with a red pen. Stern described her as 'deeply troubled', sadly Monroe died six weeks later. Although her self love might have dimmed, the camera always loved her, and why her timeless beauty continues to grace magazine covers and inspires many photo shoots today.

"Everything Marilyn does is different from any other woman, strange and exciting, from the way she talks to the way she uses that magnificent torso.  - And magnificent she was." - Clark Gable

Seductive voice and talent

Monroe's sultry voice added an alluring charm to her on-screen performances, which she nailed in every role she played. Monroe was everything that society wanted women to be and there wasn't another actress who could mirror what she could do. Her talent as an actress, showcased in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot, merely cemented her status as one of Hollywood's greatest legends.

'A beautiful woman can turn heads, but real glamour has a deeper pull. Glamour has the power to rearrange people's emotions.' But to be truly adorable, you'll also have to be warm, kind and charming. - Arthur Miller

The quirks that made her unique

Intellectual curiosity

Contrary to her "dumb blonde" persona, Monroe was an intelligent woman whose thirst for knowledge was an important part of her life. She amassed an extensive personal library, often delving into classic literature and philosophical works; many of which bore her personal notes in the margins. Behind the naive blonde bombshell persona was an intelligent woman with ambition who knew what she wanted and how to get it.

"The truth is I've never fooled anyone. I've let men sometimes fool themselves" - Marilyn Monroe

Love for animals

Monroe's affection for animals was well-known throughout her life. When she was working she was photographed as an actress and model, in her real life she was photographed with her many beloved pets. Her love and compassion for animals showcased her gentle side and made fans love her even more.

Unconventional beauty regimens

Monroe's beauty secrets were a mix of conventional and unconventional methods. From thick layers of Vaseline under her makeup and ice baths to staying out of the sun, her quirky routines became part of her legendary mystique.

"Despite its great vogue in California, I don't think suntanned skin is any more attractive . . . or any healthier, for that matter. I'm personally opposed to a deep tan because I like to feel blond all over." - Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe's most popular movies

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) IMDb Rating 7.1:

In this classic musical comedy, Monroe shines as Lorelei Lee, a glamorous showgirl on a quest for love and diamonds. Her performance, along with the iconic musical number "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," solidified her status as a screen goddess.

• Some Like It Hot (1959) IMDb Rating 8.2:

Monroe showcases her comedic talent in this beloved screwball comedy. Playing the charming and naive Sugar Kane Kowalczyk, she delivers a memorable performance alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, creating a timeless cinematic masterpiece.

• The Seven Year Itch (1955) IMDb Rating 7.1 : 

Monroe's unforgettable image of standing over a subway grate as her white dress billows up has become one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history. Her portrayal of the seductive and playful girl in this romantic comedy captures the essence of her enduring sex appeal.

• How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) IMDb Rating 6.8: 

Monroe stars as one-third of a trio of models seeking wealthy suitors in this delightful romantic comedy. Her comedic timing and radiant presence light up the screen, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

From Norma Jeane to Marilyn Monroe

The early years

Monroe's early life, marked by adversity and determination, shaped the woman she would evolve to become. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on 1st June 1926, in Los Angeles, Monroe's childhood was a difficult one. Her mother was frequently confined in an asylum which saw a tumultuous upbringing in foster care homes and an orphanage for a time too.

She went on to marry her highschool sweetheart in 1942 but soon divorced, determined to be a star rather than conform to being a housewife. Despite her challenges, she found solace in acting and modelling, eventually becoming one of the most iconic and loved faces in the world.

The enduring legacy

Marilyn Monroe's legacy continues to shine long after her tragic death in 1962. From the bold and glamorous fashion choice of Kim Kardashian at the 2022 MET Gala to the captivating performances of Naomi Watts and Michelle Williams in their portrayals of Monroe on screen, her indelible mark on art, fashion and popular culture remains undeniable.

Marilyn Monroe's timeless allure persists as a testament to her unparalleled beauty, talent and alluring persona. Her captivating looks, combined with her cute quirks has helped cement her status as a cultural icon for many generations to come.

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soulmate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." - Marilyn Monroe

Rest in peace Marilyn Monroe, may your unique sparkle be forever remembered.

By Kirsten Jakubenko

Sources:

• https://fugitives.com/marilyn-monroe-revolutionized-hollywood-fashion-industry-2022-artist/
• https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/marilyn-monroe-style 
• https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/photography-portraits/bert-stern-marilyn-monroe-last-sitting
• https://www.academyofbodylanguage.com/single-post/2018/10/24/the-body-language-of-marilyn-monroe
• https://www.classicmoviehub.com/blog/lives-behind-the-legends-marilyn-monroe/
• https://people.com/pets/marilyn-monroes-real-best-friends-animals/