The age of the icon was born with the creation of Hollywood and few stars fit the mould better than Marilyn Monroe.
Blonde bombshell and movie star extraordinaire, Monroe continues to fascinate 50 years after her death.
Getty has created an exhibition of some of its most stunning images from it’s achieves to hold the Marilyn exhibition at its Getty Images Gallery on Eastcastle Street.
Located just a short wander away from Oxford Street along Great Titchfield Street, if only the throngs of people who pass by just feet away knew the gallery was there it would certainly have more than half a dozen people in it.
While the images provide a fascinating insight into the creation of a movie star, the exhibition’s main draw is its display of her dresses.
Comprising of outfits worn during her films and some of her personal clothes, the dresses are part of cinema history.
Displaying her voluptuous but by no means large shape, the incredibly decorative and very provocative costumes from a bygone era show how Monroe’s sex appeal was a big commodity for the girl who was trying to be an actress.
Half a century old with sequins falling off in places and stitches tacked in to delicate fabric that has split over time, the collection suggests that like Marilyn herself, they may not have always received the care and attention they so desperately needed.
Some also do seem to confirm the myth that she had buttons sewn into the bust.
But fans will relish the chance to see this amazing collection in person, with the red dress worn in Gentleman Prefer Blondes and the black sequined dress from Some Like it Hot – which was so tight she had to be lifted to the piano she was sitting on during the film – are among the highlights.
Perfect for Monroe fans and fashion obsessives, the exhibition runs in the gallery until 18th May 2012.
