Marilyn Monroe Experts Say Kim Kardashian Wasn't Worthy To Wear Iconic Gown
Marilyn Monroe super fans are raging over Kim Kardashian wearing the Hollywood icon's legendary dress at the 2022 Met Gala.
The reality TV star has been accused of sullying the 60-year-old beige, sparkly dress that Monroe wore during her 'Happy Birthday' performance to then-President John F. Kennedy back in 1962.
Monroe expert, Michelle Morgan, roasted curators at the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! museum, where the dress was being kept, for allowing Kardashian to don the frock.
"I am extremely disappointed to see this 60-year-old, iconic dress being worn in public," author of The Girl: Marilyn Monroe, the Seven Year Itch, and the Birth of an Unlikely Feminist told The New York Post.
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"The gown is extremely fragile and has been previously kept in temperature-controlled conditions, but now here it is, not only being worn, but also in a red carpet environment, where anything could have happened to it."
Morgan added that 'sweat, perfume and makeup' (or pretty much anything) could have come into contact with the dress and caused 'untold damage and staining'.
Former head of the Met’s Costume Institute Sarah Scaturro slammed the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star for even asking to wear the iconic dress.
"I’m frustrated because it sets back what is considered professional treatment for historic costume,” she told the LA Times.
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"In the ‘80s, a bunch of costume professionals came together to state a resolution that historic costume should not be worn.
"So my worry is that colleagues in historic costume collections are now going to be pressured by important people to let them wear garments."
Dr Justine De Young, professor of fashion history at the Fashion Institute of Technology, told People that Kim was 'irresponsible and unnecessary' for wearing it.
"She can –– and did –– commission a replica which would be indistinguishable from the original. Such an iconic piece of American history should not be put at risk of damage just for an ego-boost and photo-op," Dr Young said.
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Dr Young also took aim at Kardashian for going on a strict diet and exercise regime to fit into the custom-made gown.
"Crash-dieting to fit into the original dress is also an unfortunate message to be sending one more in keeping with ideals of the 1960s than today," she explained.
Kim, who is a big fan of body-makeup and contouring, was made to go without her favourite extra cosmetic steps for the event.
She was also required to wear gloves while slipping on the gown to protect the garment.
A representative for Ripley’s said that there was 'no damage' to the dress after its red carpet appearance.
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"This was no easy decision for Ripley’s, however, Kim Kardashian has continued to show the utmost respect for this opportunity and historic garment," the spokesperson told The New York Post.
"From extensive research to following guidelines such as no body makeup, only wearing the dress for the short red-carpet appearance, and making absolutely no alterations, she has become a steward - and added to - its history."
The dress was sold in 2016 to Ripleys! for a an eye-watering US$4.8 million ($AUD 6.7 million, £3.8 million).
Topics: Celebrity, Kim Kardashian
Rachel Lang