Marilyn Monroe's black Ceil Chapman dress sells for $254,000

A dress worn by Marilyn Monroe to an event hosted by Bob Hope in 1953 has sold for $254,000 at Julien's Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Hollywood Legends: Danger, Disaster, and Disco auction

The auction, which took place at NYA Studios in Los Angeles and online, attracted collectors from around the globe, with Monroe's dress fetching eight times its estimated value. The dress, a strapless black jersey creation by Ceil Chapman, is renowned for its form-fitting design and asymmetric gathering.

Monroe wore this elegant piece on December 16, 1953, when she attended an event with Joe DiMaggio, hosted by Bob Hope in honor of two-star General William F. Dean. The dress features a boned bodice and a striking black silk taffeta fanned applique at the hip.

In an article from the July 1952 issue of Modern Screen magazine, Monroe herself mentioned a similar Ceil Chapman dress, praising its "slimming effect." This reference, alongside the dress's historical significance, contributed to its high auction value.

Ceil Chapman, who launched her label in 1940, quickly became known for her sophisticated cocktail dresses. Her designs were favored by Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Deborah Kerr, and Jayne Mansfield, celebrated for their sculptural fit and ease of wear.

Another highlight included a red lace evening gown by John Moore, worn by Monroe at the Gigi premiere in 1958. Despite its fragile condition, the gown sold for $52,000. Both sales - for significantly larger sums than their original estimates - reaffirm the enduring appeal of Monroe's legacy.