All The Times Fashion Designers Have Referenced Marilyn Monroe
Our take
The enduring fascination with Marilyn Monroe, amplified this year by her centennial, isn’t merely a nostalgic indulgence; it’s a testament to her unparalleled cultural impact and a recurring source of inspiration for the fashion world. The article highlighting fashion designers’ tributes to her over the decades speaks to a deeper truth: Monroe’s aesthetic – the embodiment of mid-century glamour – remains remarkably relevant, continually reinterpreted and reimagined by contemporary creatives. This isn't about mimicry, but about channeling a specific mood, a certain confidence, a visual shorthand for timeless femininity. Consider the recent exploration of how to spot an "it girl" in 2026—she’ll be wearing her jeans and jackets with this chic accessory How to Spot an It Girl In 2026—She’ll Be Wearing Her Jeans and Jackets With This Chic Accessory, a trend that subtly echoes Monroe's effortless cool – the ability to elevate even the simplest elements with undeniable presence. It's a cyclical pattern; fashion borrows from the past, recontextualizing it for the present, and Monroe’s influence proves remarkably adaptable.
The repeated references aren't just about the obvious – the platinum blonde hair, the red lipstick, the white halter dress. It's about capturing the *feeling* Monroe evoked: a blend of vulnerability and strength, innocence and allure. Designers aren’t simply replicating looks; they’re attempting to distill the essence of her persona, to harness the power of her image. This resonates particularly strongly within the current landscape of fashion, where authenticity and a curated sense of self are paramount. The desire to appear effortlessly chic, as demonstrated by the appreciation for Reformation cardigans that “get my stamp of approval” I Want to Look Expensive This Autumn—These Reformation Cardigans Get My Stamp of Approval, feels akin to Monroe’s own calculated casualness. Her style, though seemingly simple, was meticulously crafted, a performance of a particular kind of femininity that continues to inspire a desire for understated luxury and quiet confidence. The ongoing fascination with Parisian style – and the assertion that every French woman's autumn wardrobe includes these 5 pieces In Paris, Every French Woman's Autumn Wardrobe Includes These 5 Pieces – further underscores this point; both Monroe and the Parisian aesthetic prioritize timelessness and elegance over fleeting trends.
The consistent revisiting of Monroe’s image also reflects a broader cultural conversation about femininity, celebrity, and the complexities of legacy. She was a product of her time, shaped by societal expectations and the demands of Hollywood, yet her image has transcended those constraints to become a symbol of female power and resilience, albeit a complicated one. The designers who draw inspiration from her aren’t necessarily celebrating all aspects of her story, but rather selectively utilizing her aesthetic to explore themes of self-expression and identity. It’s a process of reinterpretation, allowing Monroe’s image to be imbued with new meaning and relevance for contemporary audiences. This ongoing dialogue demonstrates that Monroe’s impact isn't static; it evolves with each new generation of designers and consumers who engage with her legacy.
Ultimately, the persistence of Marilyn Monroe’s influence suggests that certain archetypes – those who embody a particular blend of glamour, vulnerability, and strength – remain eternally captivating. The question now isn't *if* designers will continue to reference her, but *how* they will do so. Will future iterations focus on the more nuanced aspects of her persona, moving beyond the surface-level iconography to explore her inner life and artistic contributions? Or will the focus remain on the instantly recognizable visual cues, perpetuating a somewhat simplified, albeit enduring, image of the iconic star? The answer likely lies in a continued exploration of the interplay between past and present, between myth and reality, as designers seek to capture the enduring magic of Marilyn Monroe for a new generation.
Happy birthday, Marilyn Monroe! This year, the icon is celebrated on what would have been her 100th birthday. With her signature platinum-blonde curls and red lipstick, Monroe (originally named Norma Jeane Mortenson) created a captivating persona that impacted people around the world and pop culture at large, particularly within the fashion community.
While Versace's colorful print of Andy Warhol's portrait of Monroe is among the star’s most iconic fashion homages, there are plenty of inspired runway moments to look back. For Fall 1995, Mugler's show featured a red plumed dress in tribute to Monroe and Jane Russell's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes costumes. And for Fall 2005, Alexander McQueen included two looks in his ‘40s and ‘50s-themed collection in honor of the late actor. Plus, who could forget Gigi Hadid's multiple references to Monroe while walking for brands like Max Mara and Moschino in the 2010s?
Naturally, plenty of stylish brands have joined this year's festivities with collaborations in partnership with Monroe's estate. Barbie created a limited-edition doll for its Barbie Signature collection, complete with a pink dress inspired by the iconic "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend" performance. Guess has embraced Monroe's bombshell look with a new line of dresses, bustiers, and jeans, and Aurate released a glamorous capsule nodding to her favorite jewels (including the star's famed Moon of Baroda pendant).
It's clear that Monroe's legacy has remained a constant inspiration for designers — and will inspire style moments for centuries to come. Reminisce on her most memorable runway tributes below.
Versace Spring 1991
For his Spring 1991 collection, Gianni Versace made a splash with “Pop Art” prints of Andy Warhol’s Monroe portraits on dresses and separates. The multicolored pieces were worn on the runway by Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington, and later modeled in its associated campaign by Linda Evangelista. Today, they’ve become highly sought-after collectors’ items (and rightfully so).
Thierry Mugler Fall 1995 Haute Couture
Thierry Mugler loved a film reference — as exhibited by this look from his Fall 1995 Haute Couture show. On the catwalk, Eva Herzigova modeled a glittering corseted red gown with a matching feathered coat and necklace inspired by Monroe and Jane Russell’s costumes from 1953’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. A puffed blonde hairstyle completed the cinematic moment, which Cardi B later revived at the 2021 Paris opening of the “Thierry Mugler: Couturissime” exhibit.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Fall 1997
For his Fall 1997 collection, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac included an homage to Monroe with a black floor-length slip-style dress, as worn by supermodel Helena Christensen. The piece featured a black-and-white print of the actor — complete with her famous curls — that accompanied the collection’s many references to pop culture.
Alexander McQueen Fall 2005
Alexander McQueen played with two takes on Monroe’s signature style in his Fall 2005 show. First, a blonde model stepped out in a low-cut top and skirt with a beige trench coat reminiscent of Monroe’s go-to off-duty wardrobe. Another look featured a pleated silver dress nodding to Monroe’s famous outfit from 1955’s The Seven Year Itch. Both ensembles were on-theme for the collection, which was inspired by the style of the ‘40s and ‘50s.
Max Mara Fall 2015
Gigi Hadid opened Max Mara’s Fall 2015 show clutching the front of her camel coat just like Monroe did. It was an intentional direction, as the collection was inspired by Monroe’s off-camera style and iconic beach photos from the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Versace Spring 2018
Warhol’s “Pop Art” portraits of Monroe returned in Versace’s Spring 2018 collection, where Donatella Versace brought them back in numerous dresses, shoes, and accessories. The reissue was part of a 20th anniversary tribute to Gianni Versace’s passing, which also included his famous “Barocco” swirl, butterfly, starfish, and Vogue magazine prints.
Moschino Fall 2018
Hadid would embody Monroe a second time on Moschino’s Fall 2018 runway, wearing a green evening gown and a curled blonde hairdo. The model’s appearance added to the lineup of ‘60s-inspired skirt suits and hairstyles, as creative directed by Jeremy Scott, which referenced the rumored rivalry between Monroe and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, as well as the conspiracy theory that Monroe knew of aliens’ existence.
Loewe Fall 2019 Men’s
Jonathan Anderson’s first Loewe men’s show included a silky button-up covered in large prints of Monroe. The cinematic Fall 2019 piece was a key example of the designer’s love of Hollywood and film, which continued in his future collections, front rows, and campaigns for the brand — plus costume designer stints for Luca Guadagnino’s movies Challengers and Queer.
Marc Jacobs Fall 2024
In his Fall 2024 collection, Marc Jacobs showed a white dress in the same silhouette as Monroe’s windswept style from The Seven Year Itch. The dramatic style was complete with wide-soled heels, adding to the whimsical collection inspired by paper dolls.
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