Marilyn Monroe dress sells for $313,000 at auction

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The Telegraph reported that Marilyn Monroe's dress worn in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes during her performance of the song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" topped its expected price of $150,000-$250,000.

More than 1,500 items went on sale at a Hollywood auction house called Profiles in History June 10-12, with the strapless fuchsia number being the undisputed highlight.

Other lots included various Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz memorabilia, Mary Poppins' 'bottomless bag,' Edward's Scissorhands, and a collection of Elvis Presley's clothes.

Monroe's dress is the actress's most recognizable outfit, right after her risqué 'subway scene' number and the one she wore to sing Happy Birthday Mr President (previously sold at Christie's for $1.2 million).

According to auction house CEO, Joe Maddalena, a comparable outfit would be Audrey Hepburn's black number from Breakfast at Tiffany's (auctioned for $900,000). These dresses are not just "fun and cool," he said, "it's important. It's a cultural icon."

http://www.profilesinhistory.com