#CinemaStyleFiles: The Seven Year Itch and the Subway Dress
When soft white pleats met a flirtatious breeze, resulting in cinematic history…
“Isn’t it delicious?” purrs a coquettish Marilyn Monroe.
Precariously perched on a New York subway grate, fighting an upward breeze that blows her dress suggestively above her knees. Although the scene lasted only a couple of seconds in 1954’s The Seven Year Itch, it became one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history, etching that white dress forever into our collective memories as the “subway dress”.
Mirroring her character ‘The Girl’ in the movie who is oblivious of her own allure, the dress embodied the alchemical mix of innocence and seduction (think Betty Boop) which Monroe was renowned for projecting onscreen. The halter-like bodice showcased the style of the 1950s and 60’s cocktail dresses and was designed to fit closely to the natural waistline.
Clever use of a muted ivory georgette crepe points to the naivety of the character, whilst the audaciously plunging neckline and bareback suggest a far more mischievous side to her. The effect of Monroe successfully portraying 1950’s American exuberance and carefree effervescence cemented iconic status for herself and the dress.
For designer William Travilla, the white dress was just one of the many iconic dresses of the 20th century which he created for Monroe. She was known to be a fan of his clingy, figure-hugging dresses. Some of his most celebrated designs include the pink strapless gown from Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend and the gold sun-ray pleated gown from Gentleman Prefer Blondes. Travilla famously dismissed his legendary creation as “that silly little dress”.
After Travilla’s death in 1962, the dress was sold from his private collection to actress Debbie Reynolds for just $200, who in 2011 auctioned it off for an eye-watering $4.6 million to a private collector.
Images courtesy of GIPHY