Travilla's Marilyn Monroe-inspired gown could make $30,000

A Seven Year Itch-inspired gown made by the late William Travilla, costume designer on some of Marilyn Monroe's biggest films, is to highlight the sale of his estate.

The gown will carry an estimate of $20,000-30,000 at Julien's Auctions' Icons and Idols of Fashion event on November 8 in California.

The pleated cocktail dress is one of the most recognisable costumes in the history of film, as seen in the legendary image of Monroe holding down her dress as she stands on a New York subway grate.

The infamous subway dress acheived $5.6m in 2011, which remains a record price for a piece of film memorabilia.

Monroe subway dress
The Travilla gown was inspired by the iconic dress worn by Monroe in The Seven Year Itch

A gown inspired by the dress worn by Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is another highlight, with an estimate of $10,000-20,000. Also offered is an Andy Warhol/Monroe blue tribute dress created for Warhol's memorial service at the Beverly Hilton, which is valued at $4,000-6,000.

A number of sketches and personal effects are to sell - including costume designs for some of the star's most iconic roles.

Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien's Auctions, said: "You cannot compare the influence Travilla had on Hollywood fashion history. His personal iconic representations of Marilyn Monroe's fashions and his incredible friendship with the screen icon is what Hollywood lore is made of.

"We are so thrilled to be able to offer this very rare fashion collection from the Estate of William Travilla and look forward to having the fans and collectors visit our gallery ahead of time to view our public exhibition."

You can view our collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia here.  

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