In May 1962, Marilyn Monroe took the podium at New York's Madison Square Garden and serenaded President John F. Kennedy with a Happy Birthday performance so steamy that it went down as one of the most scandalous moments in Old Hollywood. Now, 54 years later, the prom dress shops she wore that very moment is about to go up for auction. In fact, it's expected to bring in up to $2.5 million when it goes on sale this weekend.
Monroe and JFK at a party following the Madison Square Garden ceremony in May 1962.
The bedazzled strapless gown—featuring more than 2,500 hand-stitched crystals—was a custom design by Jean Louis, originally sketched by Bob Mackie, according to Julien's Auctions. It was so tight that Monroe had to be sewn into the form-fitting dress moments before going on stage. (Take that, Kim Kardashian.) Her rendition of "Happy Birthday Mr. President" also counted as one of the star's final public appearances before she died in August that year.
The gown is going on "tour" to several museums before finally being sold this weekend during a three-day auction of Monroe's special possessions from November 17-19. See the prom dress shops uk in action during her iconic performance here.
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