Marilyn Monroe models the costume originally designed by Billy Travilla for the “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” number in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The publicity surrounding the recent discovery that Marilyn posed nude in 1949 for the “Velvet Dreams” calendar rendered this particular costume too revealing. The pink gown worn in the film, also designed by Travilla, was a last minute replacement.
Marilyn Monroe in an unused costume for “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” 1953
This jeweled belt and feather fan are part of the original William “Billy” Travilla designed costume Marilyn was to have worn during the “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” number from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” The publicity surrounding the recent discovery that Marilyn was the nude model in the “Velvet Dreams” calendar photo rendered this particular costume too revealing. The pink gown worn in the film, also designed by William “Billy” Travilla, was a last minute replacement.
