Did Kim Alter Marilyn’s Dress?
The iconic image of Marilyn Monroe in her white dress blowing in the wind during a 1955 photo shoot has become one of the most famous moments in cinematic history. However, the question of whether her dress was altered by someone else during the shoot has sparked much debate among fans and historians. This article delves into the mystery behind the dress and explores the possibility of Kim Novak, Marilyn’s co-star in the film “The Seven Year Itch,” being the one who made the alteration.
Background of the Incident
The scene in question took place on a New York City subway grate during the filming of “The Seven Year Itch.” According to reports, Marilyn Monroe was wearing a sheer white dress that became famous for its revealing cut and the way it billowed when she walked over the grate. During the shoot, the dress became caught on the grate, causing it to lift and reveal Marilyn’s underwear to the onlookers.
The Claim
Kim Novak, who played Marilyn’s co-star in the film, has been cited as the person who made the alteration. According to Novak, she had seen a similar dress in a fashion magazine and decided to make a minor adjustment to Marilyn’s dress to ensure it would blow up as it did in the photograph. She reportedly made the alteration by pinning the dress to the back of Marilyn’s skirt, creating the illusion of a fuller skirt and, consequently, a more dramatic effect when the dress lifted.
Debunking the Myth
While Kim Novak’s claim has been widely reported, there is no concrete evidence to support her version of events. Many historians and fans argue that the dress was simply designed to billow when Marilyn walked over the grate, and the pinning of the dress to the back of her skirt was a myth created to lend credibility to Novak’s story.
Conclusion
The question of whether Kim Novak altered Marilyn Monroe’s dress remains a topic of debate. While her claim has been widely reported, there is no definitive proof to confirm her involvement. The mystery surrounding the dress will likely continue to intrigue fans and historians for years to come, as the true story behind the iconic image remains a topic of speculation.
