Marilyn Monroe fans say Kim Kardashian isn't worthy of 'national treasure' gown
Marilyn Monroe fans and experts aren't too pleased with Kim Kardashian borrowing the Hollywood legend's iconic 1962 dress on the 60th anniversary of her death.
Some wondered how the reality TV star, 41, was able to get her hands on the blonde bombshell's wardrobe, while others expressed their displeasure after seeing Kardashian flaunt the dress on Monday at the Met Gala. The 'SKIMS' founder borrowed the sparkly beige gown the actress had worn in 1962 to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F Kennedy from Orlando’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, which acquired the famous gown for $5 million at an auction.
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Kardashian reportedly ensured she lost enough weight to fit into the retro look and later changed into a replica so she could party through the night. The fashion mogul, who arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with her comedian boyfriend Pete Davidson, was the belle of the ball at the Monday event. However, Monroe's fans did not approve of her unearthing the 60-year-old piece of history.
“I am extremely disappointed to see this 60-year-old, iconic dress being worn in public,” Michelle Morgan, who wrote the 2018 book 'The Girl: Marilyn Monroe, the Seven Year Itch, and the Birth of an Unlikely Feminist' told the New York Post. “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,” she continued, adding that “sweat, perfume, and makeup” could have caused “untold damage and staining" to the dress.
It's worth noting, however, that Kardashian did not use body makeup for the event. Furthermore, a Ripley's spokesperson said she showed “the utmost respect” for the garment. “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 Post in a statement. “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 museum said that the dress had sustained "no damage."
Speaking to the Post, Nina Boski, producer of the 'Marilyn: Behind the Icon' TV docuseries and podcast, said that while Kardashian turned heads at the Met Gala with the timeless ensemble, it was “not a positive remembrance of the star.” She continued, “I can understand why Kim would want to wear the dress for publicity purposes; however, the dress should have only been worn by one person, and that is the iconic Marilyn Monroe." Boski added that "this doesn’t help Marilyn’s legacy, especially on the 60th anniversary of her death." The tragic star died in August 1962 at the young age of 36.
Marilyn Monroe historian and collector Scott Fortner also criticized the move. “Kim did break the internet [with her look] and it was an opportunity for her and Ripley’s,” he told the Post. “[But] the fans are outraged because it is one of those things in the Marilyn community that is considered sacred. The dress is the quintessential Marilyn Monroe item and it was worn one time by her." According to Fortner, the gown is "a national treasure" and should have only been worn by Monroe.
“No one should have reworn this dress,” Fortner said. “It’s hard because [Kardashian] is one of the most influential people in the world. If it was up to me, I would not have allowed it simply because of the importance of the piece in American cultural history. But let me be clear, this is nothing to do with Kim Kardashian." However, he acknowledged that "the [Met Gala] moment has raised a level of awareness about Marilyn for a new generation" and that Monroe "is a modern-day Cleopatra and she’ll have a cultural presence forever.”
The Ripley's organization told the Post of the numerous precautions that were taken to protect the dress. "Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a privately-owned attractions company with the goal of inspiring and entertaining guests of all ages in unconventional ways. We take great pride in owning the ‘Happy Birthday’ dress and consulted with multiple textile experts and conservators on this endeavor,” a spokesperson said. “While none were adamantly for or against Kim wearing the gown, their input helped us craft a set of precautions and procedures for the Met Gala. This caution proved to be sound, as no damage occurred at last night’s event.”
According to Ripley's, the dress was slated to be returned on Wednesday, May 4, to “the Ripley’s Vault, a dark, temperature (68 degrees) and humidity (40 – 50%) controlled room, where it remains in its case, mounted on a form covered in acid-free cotton muslin. The form helps prevent folds and stress on the dress, while the muslin protects it from light, humidity, and environmental contaminants.”