Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
We all know the scene. Laureli Lee in a sleeveless shocking pink gown, matching long gloves and shoes, cascading down a staircase, batting away gentlemen. This scene from the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes has since been recreated time and time again by the likes of Kylie Jenner, Winnie Harlow and Madonna.
The original ensemble for this musical number was to be a black body stocking, draped with jewels and a large feather headpiece but, during production, a scandal broke out after images of Marilyn posing nude for the first issue of Playboy, taken some years prior in 1949, were released. To distance Marilyn and the film from the fallout, the more modest pink dress was designed and made by costume designer William Travilla in just 2 days.
Marilyn went on to wear a similar version, minus the bow, to the premier of the 1954 film, There’s No Business Like Show Business.