The Full Damage Of The Kim Kardashian and Marilyn Monroe Met Gala Scandal
Just over one month ago I wrote about why no one should have ever allowed Kim Kardashian to wear Marilyn Monroe’s gown to the 2022 Met Gala, the general premise being: DON’T WEAR DELICATE HISTORICAL GARMENTS!
The Jean Louis gown that Marilyn wore back in 1962 for JFK’s 45th birthday has become one of the most famous dresses of the 21st century, if not ever. The sheer, glittering dress scandalised America at the time - the sheer fabric smothered in over 2,500 rhinestones gave the illusion that Marilyn was naked and that her skin was encrusted with diamonds. It was the original naked dress! Made specifically to her measurements with exacting detail, Marilyn had to be sewn into the piece so it fit like the most perfect glove. This is a gown designed to be worn by one person and only once.
A gown that is synonymous with one woman, and one woman only, was loaned to Kim Kardashian by Ripley’s who currently owns it and often has it on display. This is where the latest news in this saga emerges. Yesterday, the Instagram page @themarilynmonroecollection shared an image taken by @1morrisette on June 12th of the famed gown back on display.
The image is shocking. Unsurprisingly, the gown has been stretched, new holes have been formed and many of the crystals are either hanging on by the skin of their teeth or have fallen off completely. The dress is categorically no longer the same - it has been ruined.
On the 2nd of May, Ripley’s said: “Great care was taken to preserve this piece of pop culture history. With input from garment conservationists, appraisers, and archivists, the garment’s condition was top priority. Believe It or Not! no alterations were to be made to the dress and Kim even changed into a replica after the red carpet!”
It goes without saying that the greatest care would have been to leave it alone.
