Marilyn Monroe's White Dress Tops Iconic Celebrity Fashion Moments

It might be over half a century since Marilyn Monroe wore her seductive white halter neck dress in The Seven Year Itch, but it still ranks number one as the most iconic fashion moment of all time.

A new poll has revealed the top 10 iconic fashion moments from famous celebrity outfits and Marilyn Monroe’s scooped the top spot for her 1955 ensemble.

Another classic Hollywood actress took second place – Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress and pearls which she sported in 1961’s Breakfast At Tiffany’s.

But aside from Hollywood glamour, male pop and rock stars have made an impact in the fashion world too, with Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley nabbing third and fourth place.

Michael Jackson’s crystal-studded glove, hat and white socks have been hailed an iconic fashion look, while Elvis’s white jumpsuit from 1970’s Las Vegas performance also made the chart.

They might not be outfits you’d wear on a night out these days but Madonna’s cone-bra corset by Jean Paul Gaultier from 1990 was voted the sixth most iconic.

And Olivia Newton John’s spray-on black leggings from Grease (1978) made their mark on the industry too, by being named the fifth most iconic fashion moment.

The other four iconic moments in celebrity fashion are: Liz Hurley’s black safety pin dress by Versace (1994), Kylie Minogue’s gold lame Stella McCartney hotpants (2000), Geri Halliwell’s union flag dress (1997) and Daniel Craig’s swimming trunks from Casino Royale (2006).

The poll surveyed 2,290 adults, conducted by Cancer Research UK.

The Most Iconic Dress in Film History, Part II

In following up on my recent post "Is the Most Iconic Dress in Film History Coming to Auction?" Marilyn fans and collectors continue to buzz about the white halter dress Marilyn wore in the Seven Year Itch, and the idea that it may possibly be put up for auction.

The website for Reynolds' Hollywood Motion Picture Museum is still active online. Visit www.hmpc.tv to view the site and to see many of the items in the collection which will most likely be auctioned by Christie's in June of 2011.

The white halter dress Marilyn wore in the Seven Year Itch, now owned by Reynolds, is shown below. Click here for a clip of Marilyn wearing the dress in the film.

Reynolds also owns hundreds of famous film costumes, including a dress and a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.

Also included in her collection are costumes worn by Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn, including this gown worn by Audrey in Funny Face.

Interestingly, Julien's Auctions sold the same costume in their 2010 Hollywood Legends auction, for $56,000.

Was there another yellow dress from Funny Face, or has Reynolds already started selling off her collection and this was actually her dress?

The 20th Century-Fox Closet: Marilyn Monroe Costumes

This is truly an amazing photograph. Rarely seen, this image, presumably taken in a storage warehouse on the Fox lot in Hollywood many years ago, shows five costumes from different Marilyn Monroe films. There are other clothing items seen in this image, but it's difficult to determine the actual pieces.



From left to right:

Something's Got to Give: What appears to be the white coat Marilyn wore when she first returns home after being stranded on an island.

The Seven Year Itch: The tiger-striped costume.



Bus Stop: The one piece leotard Marilyn wore when singing "That Old Black Magic."

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: The red sequined Travilla costume Marilyn wore when singing "We're Just Two Little Girls from Littlerock," with Jane Russell.

There's No Business Like Show Business: The Travilla costume Marilyn wore when singing "After You Get What You Want."