Marylin Monroe Dresses, a lot of them

I have been quite busy making Marilyn dresses lately, they have been quite a hit and very fun to make. I have loved these clothes for years and i finally have an excuse to make them! Here are some pics of what i have been working on, some of these dresses are available over on Etsy


This is made from a stretch satin matte side out, the color is just about perfect to the film color, though different than the image shot.


This dress is fabulous, though my dress form doesn't have Marilyn's curves



This dress i ended up doing hand beaded straps and waist band, the full length image was before the beads, it was a lot of work but i like the look better with the beading.


I have made two versions of this dress one with a shiny eyelet.
I'm not sure which one i like better, the shiny seems more Marilyn but the simple one seems more wearable...



This is a red cotton knit fabric with sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder,
and a stretch twill skirt with stretch satin lining, it wraps in front and buttons.



This dress is made from a light yellow crepe backed satin, matte side out. I draped the top and used a vintage pattern for the skirt.


And lastly this dress is made from a white stretch satin.

this site has a bunch of Marilyn photos
http://www.marilynmonroe.ca/camera/galleries/costumes/

Marilyn Monroe Halter Niagara Dress

This dress is made from a stretch cotton blend, i draped the halter & collar and made a pattern. This was a sample to try out the pattern, and is available at sample discount price at my Etsy Shop. The front does not button, since with a fitted dress buttons gap and come undone. Zipper up the back with elastic across the top.

Butterick 5605 Wedding Dress

This custom wedding dress was made from a retro Butterick pattern, with the neckline changed to sweetheart instead of boatneck, the lace bodice is trimed with the scaloped edge from the lace around the neckline and sleeves. The satin skirt features 4 layers of fine tulle and a built in petticoat, the back zips with covered buttons covering the zipper flap and satin bow across the shoulders. The bodice is fully lined with boning support front and back, the hip bow has a removable red flower, to match the customers shoes and accessories :-)

Pinup Photos Plaid Two Piece

A few photos of one of my Retro Playsuits
Images by Autumn Luciano

Marilyn Monroe Diamonds Dress

I have made a version of this dress before, but this one is to have the black satin cuff on the bow, the skirt lining will also be black AND i'm making matching gloves! She chose the lighter pink satin since its closer to the original shade of pink, the technicolor image on film made the dress look more pink. The girl i'm making this for is a professional Marilyn impersonator, so it has to be right! I'm excited to be making this dress again, i have always loved recreating dresses from just a picture, its like solving a puzzle. Once i have it all together i'll post pictures :-)
Below is the dress i made a few years ago.

Wicked Wedding

This is an up coming project, the main fabric has been ordered and im awaiting it's arrival.
above are a few inspiration images from the actual Broadway show, the sketches and the fabric she picked are below. I'm pretty excited about this one, it should be fun, interesting and challenging. I cant wait to get started on it :-)

Marilyn Monroe Polkadot Wiggle Dress

I just finished this dress, it was a custom order from my Etsy shop, Morningstar84 i drafted the pattern and made it as close to the dress in the images as possible.
I used new cotton polka-dot fabric lined in white cotton. Pin tucks down the center panel of the skirt with gathers across the hip. The straps and front X are all one piece and are interfaced.
Boning support in the side seams, back zipper. The skirt hem flares out just a little since it has no back slit for walking.
I really love how this dress came out!