MARILYN MONROE is one of the most famous women in the 20^th century, a model, actor and singer who not only took on Hollywood by surprise but also the fashion scene.

Fustany decided to dedicate this months' Fashion Icon to a woman with a very interesting story. Norma Jeane Mortenson was born in the 1^st of June 1926. Raised by her mother Gladys Baker only, Norma had a difficult childhood as Gladys had psychological problems and was eventually committed to a mental institution. Norma spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages until 1937.

She then moved to one of her mother's friends, Grace McKee, and stayed there until Grace McKee's husband had to move to the East Coast. The couple couldn't afford taking in the 16 year old Norma with them. That's when she had to choose one of two options; go back to the orphanage or get married. On June 19, 1942 she married her 21 year old neighbor Jimmy Dougherty.

They were happily married until he joined to the Merchant Marines and was sent to South Pacific in 1944. Norma then took a job on the assembly line at the Radio Plane Munitions factory in California. Several months later, photographer David Convor saw her while taking pictures for the Yank Magazine about women contributing to the war effort. He was amazed by Norma, used her for the shoot of the magazine and began bringing her modeling jobs. She was very successful in the modeling career and within two years made it on the cover of many popular magazines. Being a success in the modeling career made Norma want to take another step towards being a star and therefore took drama classes.

Jimmy her husband returned in 1946 and she had to face another hard decision; either her marriage or her career. Shortly afterwards they got a divorce and she signed her first studio contract with Twentieth Century Fox on August 26, 1946. Norma soon dyed her hair to blonde and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe, borrowing the last name from her grandmother. And as you may notice a star was born.

Her first movie role was a small part in 1947's "The Shocking Miss Pilgrim". "All About Eve" (starring Bette Davis) earned Marilyn further praise. From there on Marilyn worked steadily in movies such as: "Let's Make It Legal", "As Young As You Feel", "Monkey Business" and "Don't Bother to Knock". It was her performance in 1953's "Niagara", however, that delivered her to stardom. Marilyn played Rose Loomis, a beautiful young wife who plots to kill her older, jealous husband (Joseph Cotten).

Marilyn's success in "Niagara" was followed with lead roles in the wildly popular movies; "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (co-starring Jane Russell) and "How to Marry a Millionaire" (co-starring Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable). Photoplay magazine voted Marilyn the "Best New Actress" of 1953, and at 27 years old she was the best-loved blonde bombshell in Hollywood.

On January 14, 1954, Marilyn married baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio at San Francisco's City Hall. They had been a couple for two years, after Joe asked his agent to arrange a dinner date. Marilyn wasn't sure if she was in love with him yet, but she knew that she liked him more than any man she ever met. During their Tokyo honeymoon, Marilyn took time to perform for the service men stationed in Korea. Her presence caused a near demonstration among the troops, and her husband Joe was clearly uncomfortable with thousands of men flirting with his new bride.

Unfortunately, Marilyn's fame and sexual image became a theme that haunted their marriage. Nine months later on October 27, 1954, Marilyn and Joe divorced. They attributed the split to a "conflict of careers," and remained close friends.

Marilyn was ready to drop her "shallow blonde" look by 1955. This look got her into the spotlight, but after having the opportunity and experience, she wanted to pursue serious acting. She took a break from Hollywood and moved to New York City to study under Lee Strasberg at his Actors' Studio. In 1956, Marilyn started her own motion picture company, Marilyn Monroe Productions. The company produced "Bus Stop" and "The Prince and the Showgirl" (co-starring Sir Laurence Olivier). These two films allowed her to reveal her talent and versatility as an actress. Marilyn received further recognition for 1959's "Some Like It Hot", winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy.

On June 29, 1956, Marilyn got married to playwright Arthur Miller. The couple met through Lee Strasberg, and friends reported she made him "giddy." While they were married, Arthur wrote the part of Roslyn Taber in 1961's "The Misfits" especially for Marilyn. The movie co-starred Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift. Sadly, the marriage between Marilyn and Arthur ended on January 20, 1961, and "The Misfits" was to be Marilyn's and Gable's last completed film. At the 1962 Golden Globes, Marilyn was named female World Film Favorite, once again demonstrating her well-known appeal.

Sadly, in a shocking turn of events on the early morning of August 5, 1962, 36-year-old Marilyn died in her sleep at home. The world was stunned. Marilyn's vibrant spirit and beauty made it impossible to believe she was gone.

During her career, Marilyn made 30 films and left one, "Something's Got to Give", unfinished. She was more than just a movie star or glamour queen. A global sensation in her lifetime, Marilyn's popularity has extended beyond star status to icon. Today, the name "Marilyn Monroe" stands for beauty and sensuality. She remains an inspiration to all who strive to overcome personal obstacles for the goal of achieving greatness.

Her style was timeless and she is considered to be one of the most famous fashion icons. When you think about Marilyn Monroe, the first thing coming to your mind is blonde hair, red lips and a white dress.

We choose two of our favorite Marilyn quotes:

"I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot."

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."

Being big fans of Marilyn Monroe we decided to prepare Vintage vs. Modern Marilyn Look not only with the white dress she's very known for, but with several styles.