GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953): Costume Design – Marilyn Monroe And Jane Russell’s Stunning outfits

This post was always going to happen. Particularly since my review of director Howard Hawks’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes revealed William Travilla’s unforgettable costume design as a major highlight. And so, without any further a do, I hope you enjoy the below images at least half as much as I do.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Firstly, lilac magic.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Then some head-turning leopard print gorgeousness.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox

The only word is ‘Wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Double ‘wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

This here is a shot from the film footage that had me compelled to watch the movie; after finding out who these two characters were and how they came to look so great together.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

The super famous ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend‘ number. Just ask Madonna, Lady Gaga and Margot Robbie.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Hello, brown!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Completely stunning red sequins from the opening dance number.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

More red shine, just after the aforementioned opening dance sequence.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Some yellow roses with gold detail for your memories.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

And, an important question: ‘Is this the coolest, that blue, red, yellow and black have ever looked together?’ Very likely!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Another very well deserved ‘wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Who said ‘blue and green must never be seen?’ Seriously, I’m not trying to start a fight, but WHO in their right mind…?

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Probably the most memorable double wedding look in film history!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Last but in no way least, there’s of course, no celebration of the costume design in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, without featuring the famous gold lamé dress. A creation that was deemed so risqué for the time period, that in the movie, it’s only shown from the back. And what a beautiful view it is.

Did I miss out your favourite look? Unlikely. But it’s always nice to ask.

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953).


Happy Film Loving

G

13 thoughts on “GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953): Costume Design – Marilyn Monroe And Jane Russell’s Stunning outfits”

  1. I have been a fan of this film for decades and are still in awe of the epic costumes, Bill Nye makeup, jewels and of course the songs! Thank you for featuring these beautiful screen shots. I always go back to watch just like I did yesterday and singing along. I am going to make a replica bracelet of one of the baubles Jane wear with that elegant black strapless gown. Wow is right! Such glamour. Gotta love Technicolor.

    1. It’s my absolute pleasure, Debz. 😊 I feel the same as you about the costumes and wanted a place where, with a few clicks, I could see all the stunning designs.

      I’m now looking forward to seeing that bracelet once you’ve made it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

  2. I’m in the middle of “The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes (2022)” which got me into looking for Marilyn’s top movies. I’ve seen some as a kid, but none as an adult. I think I’m up for an experience! 🙂
    I’ve heard from a fellow movie buff who goes to top European movie festivals and he really did not like Blonde (2022), so I’m wondering now what kind of impression it will leave me with…

    1. ‘Up for an experience’ is exactly right! I’ve heard that Blonde isn’t good and that Ana’s performance deserved a better film. I’m curious about what you’ll think of it too.

      I haven’t paid too much attention to Blonde, partly because there seems to be an overload of marilyn related films/documentaries in the past few years. I’ll wait for the right mood to strike before I dive back in. I’m probably more likely to watch another one of her actual films than films/documentaries about her right now though.

      1. You make a good point. I can empathize with the oversaturation of some kind and that means it’s time to cleanse the pallet and focus on something else for a while.

        I just decided to watch at least one or two of her films before seeing Blonde. Thanks for the inspiration. 😉

    1. That’s wonderful, Peter. Thanks for sharing. 🤓 For a while, I’ve felt like anyone who loves art can probably find something to enjoy about fashion. I might even enjoy looking at beautiful examples of more than I do adorning myself with it.

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