Marilyn Mania
As August 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's tragic and premature death, it seems the world is no less inspired by her iconic look than it was when she was at the height of stardom.
Marilyn may have worn nothing to bed but Chanel No.5, but her daytime attire sure was chic. Aside from that classic white dress in The Seven Year Itch (1954) which has seen countless wannabe glamour pusses trying (and failing) to imitate her look in copied styles, Marilyn is featured in some of the chicest interior design products and prints.
The resurrection of the Hollywood siren in Simon Curtis' "My Week With Marilyn" has also rejuvenated many 1950s styles, such as longer hemlines, silk dresses, roll neck pullovers, pearls and peep-toes. Her trademark red lips and liquid eye liner are also one of the hottest looks on the red-carpet.
As it appears Marilyn Mania is everywhere you look: from adverts to book covers to artwork (pioneered by Andy Warhol), to music (Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind' was originally written about Miss Monroe) to the Playboy Mansion, I am confident the legacy of this 20th Century bombshell will continue to strive and adapt so much so that the inspiration and legend that was Marilyn Monroe will be idolised for many years to come. - Here's to the next fifty!
1. That white dress. Marilyn with co-star Tom Ewell on the set of The Seven Year Itch (1954).
2. The Dolce and Gabana Spring 2012 collection - 1950s inspired dresses.
3. Marilyn makes a room that bit chicer as artwork in the fabulous world of interior design.
4. Michelle Williams as Marilyn on the poster for the film, My Week With Marilyn.
5. Scarlett Johansson is styled like Monroe for various ad campaigns: Dolce and Gabbana: The One and Moet champagne. Lindsay Lohan's Marilyn Monroe pictures for Playboy Magazine (January 2012). A Marilyn Monroe look alike is featured in Dior's new J'adore television advert.