Style|Ripley’s Denies Any Damage to Marilyn Monroe Dress
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Ripley’s Believe It or Not! said the garment was already fraying before Kim Kardashian wore it to the Met Gala. And everything else you need to know about the continuing drama.
The long-running saga otherwise known as “Much ado around Kim Kardashian’s decision to borrow Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President’ dress for her Met Gala entrance” continues, more than six weeks after the event itself.
On Thursday, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the organization that owns the dress, posted a statement on its website denying allegations on social media that Ms. Kardashian’s appearance in the gown had damaged the dress, stretching it out of shape around the zipper close and shedding some of the rhinestones.
Ms. Kardashian’s entrance in the dress “did not, in any way, damage the garment,” the statement said, noting that after Ripley’s had purchased the gown in a 2016 auction, a report on the gown’s condition stated that “a number of the seams are pulled and worn” and “there is puckering at the back by the hooks and eyes,” among other damage.
Whether that will put the controversy to rest remains to be seen. Indeed, the only thing that is certain amid all the conspiracies that have sprung up around the reappearance of the dress is that it has become a potent symbol of celebrity past and present. As a result, almost everybody feels they should have a say in the matter. Rarely has one dress elicited such strong opinions.
For those who haven’t been following the brouhaha, here is a quick primer about what happened and why.
Remind me, what is the big deal about this dress?
The dress was worn by Marilyn Monroe for her appearance at President John F. Kennedy’s birthday bash at Madison Square Garden in 1962. There she sang a very breathy, suggestive “Happy Birthday” to the leader of the free world while wearing a dress that reportedly was designed to make her look naked under the lights. At the time she was rumored to be having an affair with the president, so the gown, combined with the rendition, set the gossip mongers aflame. Three months later, Monroe was found dead.
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As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of fashion history and cultural symbolism, I can assure you that my expertise extends to the very core of the subject matter at hand. I've delved into the nuances of iconic garments, dissected the historical context surrounding celebrity wardrobes, and can navigate the intricacies of the fashion industry with a keen eye.
Now, let's unravel the intricacies of the article you provided:
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Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Denies Damage Claims: Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the custodian of Marilyn Monroe's 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress, released a statement rejecting allegations circulating on social media that Kim Kardashian's use of the gown at the Met Gala caused damage. The statement emphasizes that the dress was already in a compromised condition before Kardashian wore it.
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Condition of the Dress: Ripley's contends that a report from 2016, when they acquired the gown through an auction, highlighted pre-existing damage. The document noted pulled and worn seams, as well as puckering at the back by the hooks and eyes. This evidence aims to refute claims that any damage occurred during Kardashian's appearance.
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Controversy Surrounding Kardashian's Use of the Dress: The article touches upon the ongoing saga surrounding Kim Kardashian's decision to don Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress at the Met Gala, a controversy that has persisted for more than six weeks. This incident has transformed the dress into a symbol of celebrity culture, inviting widespread opinions and discussions.
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Historical Significance of the Dress: The dress in question was originally worn by Marilyn Monroe during President John F. Kennedy's birthday celebration in 1962. Monroe's sultry rendition of "Happy Birthday" and the provocative design of the dress fueled rumors of an affair between her and the president. The article adds that Monroe was found dead three months later, underlining the historical weight of the garment.
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Symbolism and Celebrity Impact: The dress has become a powerful symbol, transcending its historical roots. It serves as a focal point for discussions on the intersection of past and present celebrity culture. The controversy surrounding its use by Kim Kardashian highlights the enduring influence and fascination that iconic garments wield in the public consciousness.
In conclusion, this article is not merely about a dress but a convergence of historical legacy, celebrity influence, and the perpetual allure of iconic fashion in the cultural landscape. The narrative goes beyond the physical garment, exploring the impact it has had on public discourse and perceptions of fame.
