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Marilyn Monroe dress to be unveiled today in Luseland

Jul 10, 2017 | 8:14 AM

It was a gown so tight that Marilyn Monroe needed to be sewn into it before she sang a scandalously breathy rendition of Happy Birthday to U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1962. And now the world’s most famous, and most expensive dress, will be available for viewing in Luseland, SK from 10 a.m. today.

The dress was bought for $4.5 million U.S., by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, which is in turn owned by the Jim Pattison Group, making it the most expensive dress in the world. The dress, which was originally and exclusively designed for Monroe by designer Jean Louis, originally cost $12,000 in 1962. It then sold in 1999 for over $1.26 million. Julien’s Auction’s of California held a three-day auction in November 2016, where dozens of Monroe memorabilia went up for sale. The flesh-colored, sheer dress features over 2,500 crystals and 6,000 hand-sewn rhinestones. It was said to be so tight fitting at the time that Monroe had to be sewn into it on the day of the celebration. But besides the stunning design, it was the fact that Monroe wore absolutely nothing underneath the gown that left a lasting memory.

Jim Pattison said he is thrilled to be able to bring the gown to his hometown of Luseland.

“It’s something that is of great interest to many, many people, and I’m very happy to be able to do it. The community has been very good to me and my family,” said Pattison.

The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group plans on broadcasting live from the event on the day, starting at 10 a.m. The unveiling of the dress will also include a community BBQ at Luseland Park. Food and drink will be provided by Save-On-Foods (also owned by Pattison). Proceeds from the BBQ will benefit the Luseland Park Playground and Pool fundraiser. 

If you can’t see the dress in Luseland today, the gown will also be toured around to various Save-On Foods in western Canada in the next few weeks, starting with Saskatoon (July 14), Regina (Jluy 16), Yorkton (July 18) and in Winnipeg (July 21-23).

 

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