Did Kim Kardashian Alter Marilyn Monroe’s Dress? The Controversy and Reality

Kim Kardashian made headlines in May 2022 when she wore the iconic Marilyn Monroe dress to the Met Gala. Her dress was the same one worn by Monroe when she famously sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. This Jean Louis dress is one of the iconic pieces of fashion history thanks to the association with Monroe and the big day.

The Dress at the Met Gala: Kim Kardashian

Kardashian borrowed the dress from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum in Orlando where it has worn its new skin since 2016. She wore it to the 2022 Met Gala red carpet, paired with a matching platinum blonde hairstyle for Marilyn Monroe vibes. The dress is part of the museum's collection, and it was quite a spectacle given its significance in fashion history.

Changes and Alterations

The debate over Kim Kardashian's wear of the dress was not over whether she should have worn it but over the preservation and treatment of the dress. According to reports, Kardashian had made several changes and alterations to fit the dress. Kardashian allegedly dropped a lot of weight in order to fit into the dress, making it snug and tight on her body. In interviews, she explained that she had stuck to a strict diet and exercise regime in order to fit into Monroe’s original garment.

Some people argued that the dress was stretched or altered significantly. However, Ripley's Believe It Or Not!has clarified that Kim Kardashian did not damage or ruin Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress. According to the museum, Kardashian did not damage the dress, confirming that the alterations were done to ensure a more comfortable and flattering fit.

Beauty and Historical Significance

The iconic dress was originally worn by Marilyn Monroe, who was known for her all-natural figure. The dress, however, was not without its challenges. As the video from the movie "Some Like It Hot" shows, Marilyn has a little bit of a gut, but that was what made her figure unique. Clips from the film show Marilyn dancing and moving in the dress, showcasing a more natural and less rigid look.

Beauty standards have evolved over the years, but Marilyn's natural figure remains a benchmark for many. While Marilyn may not have had an overly hourglass figure, her dressed-up appearance was both iconic and alluring. By altering the dress, Kim Kardashian aimed to create a similar look that would be both flattering and memorable, translating the timeless appeal of Marilyn Monroe into a modern context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Kim Kardashian did make some alterations to Marilyn Monroe’s dress for the Met Gala, these were done with the intent of preserving and honoring the dress's historical significance. Ripley's Believe It Or Not!comfirmed that the dress remained intact and unharmed. This event highlighted the enduring influence of fashion icons like Marilyn Monroe, and the modern reinterpretation of their style for contemporary audiences.