Marilyn Monroe inspires new collection by Macy's
Young women who are fans of Marilyn Monroe can dress like her, too, thanks to a new collection at Macy's.
This iconic outfit of short shorts and a tie-front top can be found in the Macy's store at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne and online at macys.com.
The line inspired by the legendary actress "re-imagines the style of the greatest icon of the 20th century for the 21st-century fashionista," according to the department store. Though it will be available on macys.com in mid-March, the only New Jersey store to carry the line will be the Willowbrook Mall location in Wayne, said Marissa Nicolaescu, a Macy's spokeswoman.
Even more than 50 years after her death, Monroe serves as a fashion icon for young women who only know her image from posters and magazine spreads.
"She had this beauty, charm and vulnerability that everybody loved and still does," said Marci Kessler, owner of Double Take Consignment Boutique, which has locations in Englewood and Ridgewood and carries vintage styles popularized by Monroe. "She taught everyone to embrace their curves. She made the color red very popular and made short hair sexy."
The Macy's pieces pay homage to both Monroe's glamorous and casual looks: a pair of cutoff denim shorts with the pockets visible, evoking her early Norma Jean days; a white halter dress with a cherry pattern, gingham tie-front blouses and a cropped T-shirt with Monroe's image across the front. The collection will range in price from $29 to $89.
"This new line takes her unique sensibility, noteworthy silhouettes and colors of the time, and reinvents them for a modern-day Marilyn Monroe that is fun-loving, flirty and not afraid to play with fashion," said Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer, in a statement.
The Macy's collection is one of a few recent fashion tributes to Monroe. Last October, M.A.C. Cosmetics released a line of makeup inspired by the star, who was known for her bright red lipstick and thick lashes. The 29-piece collection featured names like "Preferred Blonde," "Showgirl," "Charmed I'm Sure" and "Vintage Vamp," and many were emblazoned with an image of Monroe.
Actress Michelle Williams, who portrayed Monroe in 2011's "My Week With Marilyn," told People magazine: "I liked her kind of simplicity. She was so extraordinarily beautiful, but really quite unadorned."
The Monroe estate was acquired by Authentic Brands Group two years ago. The company plans to use her image to sell jewelry, apparel, shoes, lingerie and more, in addition to the Macy's line.
"Because she died so young, there's still a lot of intrigue surrounding her," Kessler said. "She could be flirty and sexy and still be the girl next door."
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