Marilyn Monroe’s Beloved Cashmere Cardigan Heads to Auction
A piece of Hollywood history, a cherished cashmere cardigan once owned by the iconic Marilyn Monroe, is poised to make waves at auction, with experts predicting it could fetch up to £10,000. The exquisite garment hails from MacMillan of Thornielee, a now-defunct Scottish luxury knitwear firm that was a favourite of the legendary actress.
Crafted in the 1950s by the small Scottish village of Innerleithen-based company, the cardigan was originally created for sale at the prestigious New York department store, Jay Thorpe. It was here that Monroe acquired the piece, which quickly became a staple in her personal wardrobe.
The item, affectionately described as a ‘grey butterfly cardigan’, is a highlight of the “Marilyn Monroe Unfiltered” sale hosted by U.S.-based Heritage Auctions. The estimate for this delicate cashmere creation reflects its provenance and historical significance.
The cardigan’s connection to Monroe is further cemented by a poignant photograph taken in 1956. In the image, Monroe is seen with her arm around her close friend, Hedda Rosten, during their time in England. Monroe was in the country at the time filming “The Prince and the Showgirl” alongside Sir Laurence Olivier.
The auction listing details the cardigan’s charm: “Marilyn Monroe Personal Grey Butterfly Cardigan. Vintage original light grey cashmere cardigan sweater with delicate butterfly motif from Marilyn Monroe’s personal wardrobe collection, ca. 1955-1962.”
A Closer Look at the Exquisite Design
The craftsmanship of the cardigan is highlighted in its description:
- Material: Crafted from lightweight, pure cashmere, ensuring both comfort and elegance.
- Design: Features long sleeves and a classic shawl neckline, offering a timeless silhouette.
- Embellishments: The cardigan is adorned with crème-coloured contrast buttonholes and delicate embroidered butterfly motifs in crème and grey. These charming butterflies are strategically placed across the front, back, and both sleeves, creating a subtly feminine and intricate design.
- Original Label: The garment retains its internal maker’s label, proudly displaying “MacMillian of Thornielee/Scotland/100 per cent Pure Cashmere /Made Expressly for Jay Thorpe.” This label is a testament to the garment’s origin and its exclusive retail journey.
An Intimate Glimpse into Monroe’s World
Bidding for the cardigan commenced on Monday, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth. The auction itself is being hailed as a significant event, offering an unparalleled collection of personal items. Alongside the cardigan, the sale includes letters, private notes, and poetry, collectively described as “one of the most intimate and consequential Monroe archives ever to reach the public.”
The entire collection originates from the estate of Norman and Hedda Rosten, who shared a deep and enduring friendship with Monroe. This personal connection imbues the auction items with an even greater sense of intimacy and authenticity.
Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President of Heritage Auctions, commented on the significance of the sale, stating, “Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most enduring and influential figures in American popular culture. While her image and story have been revisited time and again, opportunities to encounter her in such an unfiltered way are exceedingly rare.”
He continued, “This is a remarkable archive of primary material that offers fresh insight into her inner world and a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, scholars and admirers alike.”
A Precedent for High Valuations
This is not the first time a garment from MacMillan of Thornielee worn by Monroe has commanded significant attention at auction. Previously, an off-white cashmere short-sleeved crew neck sweater from the same Scottish firm, also belonging to Monroe, sold for approximately £7,000. This figure was nearly five times the initial top estimate, underscoring the enduring market demand for authenticated items from the beloved star’s personal collection. Monroe, whose birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, tragically passed away at the young age of 36 in 1962.
