What would you do if a box of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dresses was delivered to your front door? I would most likely try them all on, then find the nearest subway grate and re-enact her famous scene from The Seven Year Itch. Andrew Hansford, however, did not try on the dresses when this surreal scenario happened to him (as far as I know). When Hansford’s friend, Bill Sarris, surprisingly sent an entire box of famous Hollywood dresses to his door, Andrew decided to start “The Lost Dresses of Marilyn Monroe” exhibition in the UK. (Sadly, Sarris is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, so part of the proceeds from the exhibition goes to the UK Society of Alzheimer’s).
The entire collection consists of almost 200 dresses and 4000 sketches all made by Oscar-winning designer William Travilla (Sarris’ business partner and friend). Since obtaining the legendary collection, Hansford’s life has forever changed, as documented in his new book “Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla.” Corduroy had a chance to chat with Hansford about the famous collection, the man behind it and the ultimate sex symbol herself, Marilyn Monroe.
How has your life changed since receiving the collection?
Quite considerably. Through time and research I became quite an expert on vintage fashion, Travilla and Marilyn. I also learnt a lot about Alzheimers and have been very active within the charity. In the end, the whole reason for me doing the collection is that I have met some incredible people who have been so helpful. I have travelled and written a book. If anyone had said that four years ago I would have laughed.
What is your favorite dress of Marilyn’s in the collection?
Her gold lamé dress. She wore it briefly in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and also wore it to accept the award for America’s Fastest Rising Star (against Travilla’s wishes). She literally had to be sewn into the dress! No one else could walk in it, but Marilyn knew how to work it.
How much of a say did Marilyn have in designing the clothes?
None. A lot of celebrities did, but Marilyn trusted him implicitly. He would ask her what she thought and she would say, “It doesn’t matter.” Marilyn did, however, have one rule: she would not wear a full skirt. The one exception she made was with her dress in The Seven Year Itch, and she was okay with that because it ended up over her head!
How did Travilla like to dress his clients?
Just look at Marilyn, there’s not a single photo of her showing cleavage. Travilla knew how to dress her provocatively and sexy, and still show nothing! Pleating was his big thing. He also loved working with chiffon, velvet and silk; he never used unnatural fiber.
What do you love most about old Hollywood glamour?
I love the class and dignity they oozed, a timeless elegance that has somehow waned since then. They were immaculate in every way.
How about today’s Hollywood glamour? Does it still exist?
Very little, occasionally someone gets it right. But it’s all about the shock value and who’s wearing who, rather than the beauty of it. To be honest, a lot of the time a star gets it right, they are actually wearing vintage.
Do you admire any present day designers?
Tom Ford, D&G got it right this season, David Emanuel (who famously designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress)
What do you think William Travilla would think of what celebrities are wearing today?
I’m sure he would think they’re absolutely vile. Bill Sarris said everyone looks like crap at the Oscars. Back when he was dressing for the Oscars, stars would come to him and see what would work. Now the designers are throwing dresses at the celebrities, and they get to keep them all! Angelina Jolie apparently had 60 dresses to choose from at the Academy Awards! The dresses they’re wearing today are so not couture either – couture is handmade!
If Marilyn was alive today, how would you spend the day with her?
If I had the chance to spend the day with Marilyn it would be somewhere very relaxed so she could be herself, maybe around a pool having a lovely chilled glass of champagne or even tucked up on a couch with a carpet picnic and a lot of chat. It would definitely not be some glamorous event. Relaxed, casual and fun.
Why do you think Marilyn has remained so iconic in comparison to all of the other Hollywood Starlets of her time?
She was gifted with an amazing body and she knew how to work it. She went to Travilla because she knew he was the best and would make her look amazing. He put her in an amazing dress, and she took it the rest of the way. When she walked into a room, jaws would drop (both men and women). She knew how to play to the camera and she was lovely and generous to people, who immediately fell in love with her. Marilyn was one in a million.
Any anecdotes you can tell me that aren’t in the book?
Most of them are in the book, really. Although I will say that I tried my hardest to write the book without thinking that it was Marilyn Monroe I was writing about. As far as Bill and all the people I met that knew her were concerned, she wasn’t famous. She was so down to earth behind the cameras. Marilyn was the blonde bombshell and Norma Jean (her birth name) was the every other day girl. She really was two different people.
I have to ask, what were Marilyn’s measurements?
36, 22, 37. Today, Marilyn would be considered plus size and probably wouldn’t be able to find a lot of designer clothes to wear. My hope is that once you read the book you’ll realize what it’s like to dress properly, it doesn’t matter what size or shape you are. Travilla never dressed anyone under a size 8, he’d refuse! He’d say, “Why would I? It’s like dressing a little boy!”
“Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla” is now available at select bookstores and online.
- Hilary Allan
