LOS ANGELES, Aug 10, 2006/ FW/ --- Marilyn Monroe – pop culture icon, 42 years after her death and eighty years since she was born, she is still part of the American psyche as when she was still alive.

Kids who were not even born when she died can tell you about her love life, from her marriages to her affairs. And of course, everyone knows about that famous pose on top of a New York subway, her billowy skirt being blown by the wind in the movie ‘The 7-Year Itch.’

Still, that scene, frozen in time by Hollywood is not her only relationship with The Big Apple. Very few people know that she actually lived in New York and owned a loft at East 57th Street.

Today, when memories of Marilyn now belong to the world, New York has a personal fondness for her. So, it was not surprising that last February, New York-based designer Betsey Johnson put one of the most famous adopted daughters of Gotham on the catwalk.

Sexy lingerie, bell sleeves on figure hugging dresses, bustier hoop cocktail minis, fur jackets and fur coats were all inspired by Marilyn. But, instead of being cliché, Betsey Johnson went for contemporary silhouettes, using wide heart-shaped belts to emphasize the waist, elasticized waistline for the jumper shorts and tiny sheering to connect the taut bodice to the collar.

It’s beautiful and modern, a perfect tribute to Marilyn Monroe. And the best thing about it, the collection is already available in stores!

Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson