Mattel Celebrates Marilyn Monroe’s 100th Birthday With a Very Glam Barbie
Image: Mattel Creations
Diamonds, pink satin, and Marilyn Monroe? Yes, please.
Some Hollywood icons never go out of style. To celebrate what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, Mattel Creations has teamed up with Monroe’s estate to give the ultimate blonde bombshell the Barbie treatment.
And naturally, she’s wearing one of her most iconic looks.
Say Hello to Marilyn Barbie
Images: Mattel Creations
Inspired by Monroe’s unforgettable turn as Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the collectible Barbie wears a glamorous pink gown inspired by the dress from the legendary “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” scene.
The look is pure Marilyn: a sleeveless pink gown with an exaggerated bow at the back, long opera gloves, heels and plenty of sparkling jewelry. Barbie also gets Monroe’s signature platinum-blonde bob, making this one collectible that looks ready to step straight onto a Technicolor movie set.
Images: Mattel Creations
Mattel describes the doll as a celebration of Monroe’s charisma, style and talent—and honestly, the glamour is doing plenty of talking all on its own. Designed by Robert Best and Linda Kyaw, the doll features a Model Muse body and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
The Real Dress Is on Display
Image: The Hollywood Reporter
The Barbie arrives at a particularly perfect moment. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is celebrating Monroe’s centennial with Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, an exhibition exploring her career, style, and carefully crafted Hollywood image.
And yes, the actual pink satin dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is part of the exhibition.
Designed by legendary costume designer William Travilla, the gown is one of the many highlights of the exhibition, which features costumes, photographs, posters, personal materials, and other pieces from Monroe’s career.
So if you're a Marilyn fan and a fashion history nerd, consider this your sign to make the pilgrimage. Seeing the original gown and its Barbie-sized counterpart? Icon behavior.
You can shop the Marilyn Monroe Barbie ($81) now at Mattel Creations and select retailers.
Marilyn may be gone, but her star power—and that pink dress—are still living their best lives. Diamonds really are a doll’s best friend.
