Hello readers. I am slowly coming back to life after the worst 18 months of my life. In May 2021, I experienced a severe reaction to one of the Covid-19 vaccines. The vaccine damaged my innate immune system. Three months later I lost my fearless mother. I have now been diagnosed with auto-immune disease, IBD and other complications. The reason I reacted to the vaccine is down to genetics. I will be explaining why soon.
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This iconic Marilyn Monroe culture and eternal style feature took a week to ponder, research and lovingly bring to life inspired by Alfred Eisenstaedt's monochrome images of Marilyn at home in Brentwood. The first and last home she bought herself. I have updated it to mark the launch of the film Blonde on Netflix. Review coming later this week. You might also like to watch or rewatch the marvellous My Week with Marilyn in which Michelle Williams offers a portrait that is full of incandescent star power, wit, mercurial moods and vulnerability. At first look, I prefer this film to Blonde which is based on Joyce Carole Oates's work of fiction and seems profoundly grim. Look at Monroe at the height of her comedic power in Some Like It Hot, Bus Stop, The Seven Year Itch and The Misfits and tell me she doesn't deserve better than this.
Alison Jane Reid - London, September 2022.
For the first of our eternal icons of fashion with a 21st-century organic, slow luxury twist, I am utterly drawn to this intimate, off-duty image of Marilyn Monroe curled up on her sofa by Life photographer extraordinaire Alfred Eisenstaedt. The image is part of a set that Alfred took with his handheld Leica in 1953 at Marilyn's home. Read the story behind this timeless image of a Hollywood goddess who continues to inspire and provoke speculation almost sixty years after her death. Then recreate the epitome of Hollywood glamour and star power with the cream of responsible fashion talent below.
The ensemble...
Marilyn is dressed in a timeless black, gauzy, form-fitting turtleneck sweater that accentuates her hourglass waist paired with elegant, alluring, snow-white Capri pants. Marilyn’s magnetic, monochrome, Hollywood glamour is a portrait of the star of How to Marry a Millionaire, Some Like it Hot and the Misfits at the height of her power as a celluloid goddess.
A woman of every moment...
It’s a moment of calm away from controversy, rumours, illicit love affairs and the health meltdowns that dogged her luminous yet tragically brief career as a woman and a star who embodied the coming sexual and work liberation of women.
Marilyn was a genius at portraying kooky, ditzy blondes, but in real life, she was a brunette and she was intelligent, spiritual and smart. She founded her own film production company and she fought for higher pay, better roles and to break stereotypes in the studio system mostly controlled by very powerful men.
Marilyn was just 36 years old when she died in 1962. The tragedy of Marilyn's story was that she had experienced abuse, poverty and insecurity as a child and this left her with life-long struggles with depression, anxiety and addiction.
The implement...
Away from all the conspiracy theories about her untimely death, Albert Eisenstaedt’s image captures Marilyn at the point her career is heading into orbit and she looks beautiful, full of life and relaxed.
There is something about the power of black and white too, and opposites that attract.
As a fashion conceit, black and white just work. It looks crisp and alluring and the eye is drawn to the bold wearer. It also solves those I don’t know what to wear moments for instant confidence and va, va voom.
The photo...
Here we see Marilyn at home, barefoot, with a sun-kissed glow, an orange lip and a book as her companion.
As Marilyn looks away from the camera, it beats all the contrived images of her where she feels the need to play the starlet, the ingénue or the femme fatale. Monochrome also looks clean and contemporary. It is a style of marriage that is forever in fashion. You can create this timeless look now, with our pick of organic cotton jeans and Capri's and a galaxy of exquisite tops in natural fibres from wool to silk. Some come with playful flourishes we think Marilyn would adore, especially Mother of Pearl’s oversized pearl embellishment on a ruffle sleeve. While Ganni’s leopard print which adorns the neck like a jewel – is perfect for modern sweater girls.
A tranquil moment for hustled hotshots...
Alfred photographed everyone from Sir Anthony Eden to Sophia Loren and Bill and Hilary Clinton. He was celebrated and admired for the way he was able to capture famous people in a more relaxed, naturalistic moment. He said it was because “I didn’t come as a photographer. I came as a friend.” Clearly, Marilyn loved that and felt she could be herself, even for just a moment in time immortalised forever.
Brunello Cucinelli
Cashmere turtleneck sweater with monili, 100% Cashmere. The iconic pure cashmere yarn enriches the essential style of the turtleneck sweater. Lightweight and cozy, the garment is characterized by a regular fit with slightly dropped shoulders; £910.00.
Find similar sweaters at Brunello Cucinelli.
Hiut
Made from a substantial 100% organic cotton Italian denim, which has been given a simple rinse wash to give the jean a soft feel. A deeply fixed colour gives the ecru mineral earth colour a beautiful richness in depth. A flattering relaxed high waist jean style. A straight leg that has been designed to sit on the ankle; £195; The Eira Straight Leg.
Marilyns Coral Lip
Axiology
This elegant ballet pink with a hint of orange and a touch of sparkle is pure bliss. A moisture-rich crayon with a semi-matte payoff. Clean and hydrating ingredients such as avocado oil and moringa oil nourish and condition lips while naturally-derived pigments create deep, rich shades that put other lipsticks to shame; Clementine, a shimmery, emollient plastic-free shade, $15.00.
Maggie Marilyn
Wear this slim-fitting turtle neck with everything, the black has a subtle opacity to it, making it lovely and fine to wear under chunky knits. Crafted with 100% New Zealand merino wool this piece will never leave your wardrobe; NZ $150, fine merino black turtleneck.
Baukjen
Denim with a difference. Coveted and classic, the wide-leg cropped shape makes for a beautifully flattering fit that works perfectly in any look. Sustainable Attributes: Low mileage, Natural fibres, sustainably made; £99; organic boyfriend jean, soft white.
Mother of Pearl
Cut from a soft organic cotton fleece-backed jersey. It's sustainable with its use of natural fibres & organic methods. The manufacturing process is traced from field to final with a low carbon footprint and responsible use of water. Dani black sweatshirt, with pearl embellishment, £195.
Boyish
The Alex is a high-waisted rigid straight jeans with ankle ties. It is in the perfect vintage whitewash. This sustainable denim jean is made with recycled cotton reducing its carbon footprint and reducing water usage; £260; The Tommy Jean
Doen
In 100% Italian wool, the Dôen Sunder Sweater is the ideal fitted turtleneck for layering under dresses and jackets or wearing alone as a sleek, simple wardrobe basic. The extra fine silk and alpaca construction inspired by vintage underpinnings for a clingy fit and soft feel; $268; Minou Turtleneck, in white and soft walnut.
The White Company
The Brompton organic jean is the perfect go-anywhere pale jean ( in dove grey or the softest pale pink instead of white) that can be dressed up or down in the softest sustainable cotton with the right degree of stretch. Brompton jeans, £89.00, are currently on sale and reduced to £35.60. There are several other styles of white organic jean that are on sale too.
Marilyns fluffy brows
Glossier
A brushable, creamy wax that visibly thickens, shapes, and grooms brows into place. Dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist, tested, appropriate for all skin types, formulated without fragrance or alcohol; £14; Boy Brow.
5)
Aiayu
Mechera is a heavy knit sweater with classic raglan sleeves and a high neck. Made from soft brushed, warm llama wool, this sweater is a trusted companion on cold winter days. Chunky, comfy style with elegant slit details on the sides for a loose fit in the body. It falls and drapes beautifully on all shapes and sizes. This season the Akina, euros 330, sweater offers a similar cocooning shape.
Aiayu
The classic signature Aiayu Pant: seersucker quality made from crisp organic chetna cotton. These lounge pants have comfy side pockets and a soft, elasticated waistline. A light and breathable style perfect for lounging or for styling with your favourite knit or shirt for a casual everyday look; EUR 130; Pant Seersucker
Marilyn's natural glow
Douvall's
Achieve the glowing bronze of Marilyn's skin with 100% natural and organic moisturising bronzing oil. It has the nourishing power of Argan Oil with added mineral make up giving you a bronzed shimmery healthy glow all year round without the harmful effects of the sun; £24,00;
Ninety Percent
The everyday knit, elevated. Crafted from 100% organic Merino wool, it’s cut to sit with a relaxed, slouchy shape, with cuffed sleeves and hem and a classic crew neck. Premium detail comes in the form of the sharp contrast-detail seam running down the back; £150.00; Merino wool crew neck sweater
Reve En Vert
These easy Wabi Linen Trousers are cut from breezy Italian linen, and are a simple and sustainable slow travel essential. They sit mid- to high-waisted on your hips and feature a wide-leg, tailored silhouette. Cut from 100% Masters of Linen certified organic linen in a classic white; £175.00; now on sale.
Johnstons of Elgin
The Ottoman Roll Collar Jumper, in 100% Superfine Cashmere, is flattering and versatile. Ideal alone or layered, this incredibly soft fabric flexes with every move and keeps its sleek shape wear after wear. an engineered shoulder shape with an applied minimal roll neck trim; £295; Ottomon Sweater in dark navy.
Maggie Marilyn
The perfect white jeans for everyone, two options for both those who are taller and those who like their jeans a little more cropped. Fitted with a luxury straight leg, tested on all shapes and sizes for a great fit. These will become your favourite pair of denim jeans, you will never want to take them off; £117; Cropped Jeans
8)
Ganni
The Isoli Sweatshirt from Ganni is a classic piece and a must-have for the autumn season. With a rounded neckline, bell sleeves and side slits, it's designed for a slightly oversized and boxy fit. It features the contemporary 'GANNI' logo label on the back; £140. This piece is no longer available. For a beautiful alternative look at the Ganni Lace rollneck, £195.00.
Easy organic white trousers to live in crafted from soft organic cotton and linen-blend twill, then garment-dyed for a rich depth of colour. Sitting high on the hips, falling to loose slightly tapered legs. Shaped with double reverse-facing pleats at the waist, accented by wide, practical belt loops and finished with a back buttoned flap pocket.
Organic-Linen Twill Trousers, £170; Toast
Winser London
A true Winser favourite, the Audrey cashmere roll-neck jumper is designed into a generous boxy shape and has been knitted with long sleeves which are finished with ribbed, turn-back cuffs and a wide elegant neckline. Pure cashmere, naturally luxurious, hand combed from goats that roam free in Mongolia; £275; Audrey Cashmere Sweater
Brunello Cucinelli
Adding some difference to the previous trousers these Bermudas channel effortless luxury fashion. Tailored inspiration and fabrics with a retro feel update the style of these Bermuda trousers with an elegant touch. The soft pure virgin wool granite is paired with a fluid silhouette with straight lines; £1,140.00; Bermuda Shorts
shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-gb
Outer Known
A classic easy boxy fit cashmere crew sweater with a textured waffle stitch. Legendary softness made with recycled cashmere to cherish for years and years. You'll live in this and love it for years and years to come; $268; Archer cashmere crew; £455.00
Ganni
Ganni high-waist straight jeans in white, 100% organic cotton denim. An easy, everyday basic. Fits true to size with a high-rise, straight-leg fit. The Classic Ganni logo is printed on the back pocket. Button and concealed zip closure. Structured, non-stretch denim with a vintage feel; £175; White Denim High-Waisted Jeans
Captions, Layout & Further Research by Bournemouth School of Journalism placement Sophie Fenton -Hobbs
About Journalist, Editor and Author Alison Jane Reid - AJ wanted to be a journalist by the age of 12. She got her first dream job at the age of 24 and now has an iconic career spanning 30 years in national newspapers, colour supplements and consultancy work for global heritage brands - from The Times, Country Life, The Lady, You and The Independent to Chanel, Escada, Pernod Ricard and now The Luminaries.
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