Believe it or not, Kim Kardashian takes credit for introducing Marilyn Monroe to new audience
The Kardashians have amassed considerable wealth, affording them access to fame, adoration, and even iconic pieces of history, such as the dress famously worn by Marilyn Monroe during her sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday” to the president.
At the 2022 Met Gala, Kim Kardashian, the second eldest in the Kardashian family, made a bold statement by briefly donning the dress on the red carpet. Some may argue that this move reflects a lack of humility, as Kim takes credit for reintroducing Monroe’s legacy to a new generation. It’s a stark reminder that while money can buy many things, humility isn’t necessarily one of them.
Kim Kardashian’s decision to wear Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress at the Met Gala sparked discussions about Monroe’s enduring legacy. Despite her untimely death at 36, Monroe’s impact on Hollywood and popular culture remains profound. Her films achieved immense success, and her fame only grew after her passing.
Monroe’s tragic death in 1962 was officially ruled as a probable suicide, highlighting her struggles with addiction and mood disorders. This somber aspect of her life serves as a poignant reminder of the darker side of fame and stardom.
Marilyn Monroe’s unforgettable performance at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, remains etched in the annals of history. That night, Monroe captivated the audience and stole the spotlight from President John F. Kennedy as she sensually sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
Monroe’s iconic moment was accentuated by her revealing flesh-colored dress, which she slowly unveiled while adorned in a white fur jacket. The audience gasped in awe at her mesmerizing presence.
The dress, custom-made for Monroe and reportedly costing $1,440 at the time, has since become a priceless artifact. Its value has soared into the multi-millions, and it is now preserved in a dark, temperature-controlled vault. Today, admirers can catch a glimpse of this legendary garment at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Florida, where it stands as a testament to Monroe’s enduring legacy as a cultural icon.
Kim Kardashian’s decision to wear Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress at the 2022 Met Gala stirred up considerable attention and controversy. Kardashian, accompanied by her ex-boyfriend Pete Davidson, made a bold statement by donning the legendary garment for the prestigious event.
In an interview with Vogue, Kardashian revealed her inspiration behind the fashion choice, citing Monroe’s sultry performance of “Happy Birthday” to JFK as the epitome of American allure. She aimed to capture Monroe’s essence, considering it the quintessential representation of Americana.
However, despite the dress’s historical significance, it presented a fitting challenge for Kardashian. Transported from its home at Ripley’s in Orlando, Florida, to Kardashian’s residence in Calabasas via private jet, the dress proved to be an ill fit. Kardashian expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the inability to alter such a priceless artifact. She reflected on Monroe’s legendary curves and anticipated the dress to conform differently to her own body shape, leading to her frustration when it failed to do so.
Kardashian’s attempt to embody Monroe’s iconic moment underscores the enduring fascination with Monroe’s legacy and the timeless allure of her performances.
In preparation for the Met Gala, Kim Kardashian embarked on a rigorous fitness regimen to ensure she could comfortably wear Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress. Determined to fit into the historic garment, Kardashian committed to intense workouts, including wearing a sauna suit, running on the treadmill twice a day, and adhering to a strict diet devoid of sugar and carbohydrates. While she emphasized that she didn’t starve herself, Kardashian maintained unwavering discipline to achieve her goal.
After months of dedicated effort, Kardashian achieved her desired weight loss and visited the Ripley’s vaults for the final fitting. To her delight, the dress fit perfectly, prompting tears of joy at the realization of her dream.
Given that the dress was on loan to Kardashian for the occasion, she made a solemn vow to wear it exclusively on the red carpet, opting for a replica afterward. On the day of the Met Gala, Kardashian arrived in a dressing gown and, with the assistance of a conservator from Ripley’s wearing white gloves, she transformed into the iconic dress at the bottom of the red carpet. After spending a brief moment in the spotlight, Kardashian swiftly changed back into the replica dress, showcasing her meticulous approach to honoring Monroe’s legacy while ensuring the preservation of the original garment.
Kim Kardashian’s decision to wear Marilyn Monroe’s iconic gown at the Met Gala sparked controversy and criticism among fans. During an interview on Today to promote her skincare line, Kardashian expressed surprise that some individuals, particularly those in the Gen Z demographic on TikTok, were unfamiliar with Monroe, a timeless sex symbol whose legacy endures.
Host Savannah Guthrie referenced a previous conversation where Kardashian expressed excitement about wearing the gown at the Met Gala and acknowledged Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for providing the opportunity to preserve Monroe’s legacy through her own tribute.
“That was so shocking to me, and that’s why I was so happy… and that Ripley’s gave me the opportunity to share this moment so that it could live on,” Kardashian remarked. “I respect her and I understand how much this dress means to American history.”
However, the clip shared on YouTube prompted outrage from fans who criticized Kardashian for wearing the dress and seemingly taking credit for Monroe’s enduring popularity. The controversy surrounding Kardashian’s tribute to Monroe underscores the complexities of paying homage to cultural icons and the importance of respecting their legacies.
The reactions from fans reflect a mix of disbelief, skepticism, and disappointment regarding Kim Kardashian’s statement about introducing Marilyn Monroe to a new generation. Many fans find it incredulous that there are people unfamiliar with Monroe’s legacy, considering her profound impact on Hollywood and pop culture.
Some criticize Kardashian for seemingly attempting to take credit for Monroe’s enduring popularity or for tarnishing the memory of the iconic dress by wearing it. Others suggest that relying solely on platforms like TikTok for information may not provide a comprehensive understanding of cultural icons like Monroe.
Ultimately, the controversy highlights the importance of respecting and preserving the legacies of historical figures like Monroe, as well as the complexities of paying homage to them in contemporary contexts. What are your thoughts on Kim Kardashian’s statement? Share your perspective, and let’s continue the discussion.
