Marilyn Monroe's iconic legacy is set to be auctioned off in a sale that promises to be a treasure trove for fans and collectors alike. The auction, set for June 4th, marks what would have been the legendary actress's 100th birthday, and it's an opportunity to own a piece of her history. Among the items up for grabs are two of her famous bras, which have already fetched bids of $5,000 each, far exceeding their initial estimates of $1,000 to $2,000. This highlights the enduring fascination with Monroe's personal belongings, even decades after her death.
What makes this auction particularly intriguing is the variety of items on offer. A gold-plated lipstick tube, still containing 70-year-old hot pink lipstick, is currently bidding at $7,000, while a tube of eyeliner and a bottle of mascara are priced at $1,250 and $800, respectively. For those with a larger budget, the front gates from Monroe's Brentwood home are available for $15,000, though shipping is not included. These gates, weighing approximately one ton of wrought iron, were installed in a fan's basement in Minneapolis, raising questions about the nature of fan devotion.
The auction also includes a 1950s minaudière evening purse, owned by fashion designers Tommy and Dee Hilfiger, which is estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Most of the personal items up for sale were inherited by the auctioneer from the estate of Monroe's acting coach, Lee Strasberg, who owned 75 percent of her estate and all her personal effects. These items have been auctioned off before, at Christie's in 1999, Julien's in 2003, and again in 2016.
One of the most intriguing lots is a collection of never-before-seen photographs and transparencies from Monroe's 1954 trip to Japan with Joe DiMaggio. These images, starting at a bid of $100, offer a rare glimpse into the actress's personal life and travels, adding a layer of intimacy to her already legendary status.
The auction of Marilyn Monroe's personal items is a testament to her enduring appeal and the fascination surrounding her life and career. It raises questions about the value of celebrity memorabilia and the lengths to which fans and collectors will go to own a piece of history. As the auction continues, it will be fascinating to see which items ultimately find new homes and how much their values continue to appreciate.
