Enduring trend icon Marilyn Monroe is perhaps famously related to Ferragamo pumps, however she additionally had a powerful connection to a pair of clear block heels, aptly known as Cinderella Slippers, that proved extraordinarily versatile for the actress, due to an interchangeable ribbon function.
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait carrying a bikini with some oversize fireworks and an indication that reads “Watch out for Hazard, July 4th” in circa 1951.
Michael Ochs Archives
The footwear’ origins are murky, however they have been a go-to for the actress. Terry Newman, writer of the e book “Marilyn Monroe Type,” famous their prevalence in early Fifties publicity photographs as she constructed up her appearing profession. Whereas their maker is unknown, Newman presumes they have been a studio-provided pair — she was regularly outfitted by the studio for publicity shoots, which may very well be simply used on quite a few events due to the swappable ribbon function. Newman additionally famous that the footwear resemble Ferragamo‘s 1938 Rainbow wedges, and Monroe would go on to buy a number of pairs of Ferragamo footwear as her fame grew.
Marilyn Monroe in “Monkey Enterprise,” 1952.
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Assortment
Silhouette-wise, the footwear featured a chunky platform base and a big tapered block heel with an inward slant. The set allowed for versatility in how precisely the straps have been organized as nicely, with Monroe showcasing both a double or single “X” formation in entrance; the straps typically appeared to function a satiny luster, emphasizing the balletic nature of the higher.
Actress Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait holding on to a rope, carrying a blue bathing swimsuit and excessive heels circa 1952.
Michael Ochs Archives
In pictures from the Fifties, it’s evident that the Hollywood darling might match her outfit to the set’s colour scheme. In a photograph shoot from circa 1952, for instance, she wears them with a shiny, gentle blue strap to enhance her strapless blue bathing swimsuit. In a photograph circa 1953, she lies on a lounge chair in a white set and she or he’s acquired the white straps to match.
Actress Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in a washing swimsuit and excessive heels with a bottle of Coca-Cola in a glass on a desk behind her in circa 1953.
Michael Ochs Archives
The footwear additionally accompanied the pink strapless embellished bathing swimsuit she wore within the 1953 movie “The way to Marry a Millionaire” and the well-known potato sack costume she wore for a photograph shoot. It actually appeared like regardless of the outfit, Monroe might adapt the footwear for the event.
Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable pose for a portrait on the set of the twentieth Century-Fox movie “The way to Marry a Millionaire” in 1953 in Los Angeles.
Earl Theisen/Getty Photographs
Trying again at these footwear right this moment, they forecast the clear heels development, which continues to be going robust within the 2020s, whether or not crafted with PVC, Lucite, mesh or one other see-through materials. Rita Ora, for instance, lately wore a pair of footwear from Sportmax that includes a mesh higher and a plexiglass wedge heel that resembles a block of ice. And on the 2022 Met Gala, Kim Kardashian paired Marilyn Monroe’s very personal “Completely happy Birthday, Mr. President” robe with clear platform Pleasers.
Marilyn Monroe carrying a potato sack costume.
Corbis by way of Getty Photographs
Whereas some questions stay concerning the historical past of Monroe’s versatile footwear, it’s clear, no pun meant, that their legacy continues to be felt right this moment.
