This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/17/2021
The offered blue sun dress was owned and worn by Marilyn Monroe and later gifted by her to her personal secretary, May Reis. For all Marilyn's bombastic and glamorous clothing and hairstyles we know her for from her public appearances, she more often than not loved a clean simple look in her personal clothing. The offered light summer dress is a perfect example of her more understated garments, though when Marilyn donned it we're sure the dress was brought to new heights. May Reis was with Marilyn from 1957 until she passed away. She had previously worked as a secretary for The Actors Studio and Arthur Miller. Reis is considered one of the best sources of Marilyn Monroe personal artifacts. Her accompanying notarized May 10, 1979, typed letter on "May Reis" personal stationary reads:
I worked for actress Marilyn Monroe from 1955-1962, as her personal assistant/secretary. During this time the two of us became close friends, and I was one of only a few people that were remembered in her Last Will & Testament. Marilyn was very kind & generous woman, and often gave me bags of clothing & personal items, when she cleaned out her closet. This blue custom made dress with no sleeves and white floral trim, was owned & worn by Marilyn. It was one of many summer dresses that Marilyn asked seamstress Lena Pepitone, to make for her while living in Connecticut with her then husband, Arthur Miller. I attest to the truth in all that I have stated.
The letter is embossed by and signed by notary Virginia H. Brown. The dress measures 16 x 33 inches and presents with earmarks of the work of a custom seamstress, including an unfinished bottom hem and hand stitched interior seams. There are also no buttons or clasps on the back of the dress-it is unclear if they were ever there. Near Mint condition.