My Week with Marilyn Day 5: Adultress or Adult-Dressed?

Written by:

Press Princess

Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, better known for playing the dumb blonde and exhibitor of all things glam, had a meek and sentimental side that was often misunderstood. Married and divorced three times, Monroe seemed much of a hopeless romantic. Finding herself in love with three different kinds of men, Monroe’s marriages never seemed to work resulting in a periodic 7-8 years gap between each divorce. Monroe often found herself moving in and out of men’s homes, with a permissive attitude towards love and relationships. The iconic movie star had the tendency to date producers and their friends, and at times was thought of as a prostitute.

Monroe’s sexual conduct was radical for the 1950’s and won her millions of fans which is still growing today, but due to her controversial nature not everyone held her in high esteem. Often criticised for poor acting and lack of convincing facial expressions, Monroe continued to hold onto the reigning title as the Queen of Hollywood. Always willing to portray her infamous ‘blowing skirt’ scene Monroe was very much the tasty temptation men were looking for.

Marilyn enjoys breakfast in bed!

The debate is still open and forces people to wonder if she were a woman seeking attention from men due to the lack of a father figure in her life? Or did she use her womanhood to manipulate and tempt men to feed her ego? As a child Norma Jeane was abused and suffered ample amount of neglect, but as an adult Marilyn Monroe was the heroic advocate she always wanted to be. Through clothes and make up, Norma was able to transform herself into a character that she also admired but never truly knew. Character traits which became apparent in Monroe’s late life grew notorious for the termination of her failed relationships. Which brings us to the questions; was Marilyn an actual adulteress and a woman on the verge of sexual exploitation? Or was she just a woman that played up to her alter ego and dressed sexily to push boundaries in order to grab mainstream attention?

"People had a habit of looking at me as if I were some kind of mirror instead of a person. They didn't see me, they saw their own lewd thoughts, then they white-masked themselves by calling me the lewd one." - Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn the showgirl

"I'm a failure as a woman. My men expect so much of me, because of the image they've made of me — and that I've made of myself — as a sex symbol. They expect bells to ring and whistles to whistle, but my anatomy is the same as any other woman's and I can't live up to it." - Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe & James Dean

                                                       

  

Married to her first husband Jim Dougherty, Monroe's talents were discovered by Army photographer David Conover for his photo shoot on women working during the war. In search for a woman to boost the morale of the boys overseas, Monroe, formerly known as Norma Jeane at the time struck luck when she had her spare sweater handy at work and took stunning shots which lead to her first magazine cover. Once she discovered that modelling was her thing, she grabbed it with both hands as she finally felt like she belonged somewhere. Posing as a model opened up a world of opportunities for Monroe where her female body could be a sexual representation commanding control, manipulation and bring forth attention and reactions that would completely change her life –as long as she dressed it well.

"Being a sex symbol is a heavy load to carry, especially when one is tired, hurt and bewildered." - Marilyn Monroe

Monroe's second marriage was to Joe Dimaggio an athlete who notoriously was violent to her during their marriage. Dimaggio and Monroe publicly argued soon after her filming her iconic ‘skirt blowing’ scene. 

Marilyn's famous "skirt blowing" scene

In the film The Seven Year Itch  Monroe and Dimaggio consistently battled against his idealism of a demure housewife  and Monroe’s idea of being a career woman lead to the bitter end of their marriage. They were divorced 274 days after their wedding.

Marilyn & third husband, Arthur Miller

                                                    

"Success makes so many people hate you. I wish it wasn't that way. It would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you." - Marilyn Monroe

"I have too many fantasies to be a housewife. I guess I am a fantasy." - Marilyn Monroe

Norma Jeane as a plain face teenager who later transformed into the sultry Marilyn Monroe

Monroe went on to marrying playwright Arthur Miller where she got pregnant and endured speculation as to who she got pregnant for. Since this time Monroe was linked to various men including President John F, Kennedy where she made her last public appearance singing Happy Birthday, Mr President. The dress that she wore to the event, specially designed and made for her by Jean Louis, sold at an auction in 1999 for $1.26 million.

Marilyn Monroe’s life was an assortment of Hollywood productions, unforgiving men and remarkable clothes. The canvas Monroe portrayed with her exterior was of a strong glamorous woman who brought clothes to life with a winning smile and a pair of heels. 

"I have feelings too. I am still human. All I want is to be loved, for myself and for my talent." - Marilyn Monroe

We are giving you the chance to dress in the decadence of Ms Monroe as December Madness begins today on http://www.kookielala.com ALL DRESSES ARE £30 OR LESS! 

MISS IT, MISS OUT!