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Dressing Marilyn
(Applause Books). William Travilla is one of the best costume designers of all time and Marilyn Monroe his most famous client. Dressing How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla focuses on the striking dresses that Travilla designed for Marilyn, from his early work on the thriller Don't Bother to Knock and the gorgeous pink dress in which Marilyn sang "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" to the legendary white dress from The Seven Year Itch , which arguably contributed to the collapse of Marilyn's marriage to Joe DiMaggio. Featuring Travilla's original sketches, rare costume test shots, dress patterns, photographs of Marilyn wearing the dresses, plus exclusive and never-before-seen extracts from interviews with Travilla, this book offers a fresh insight into the golden age of Hollywood.
1 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 22, 2012
Travilla says of Marilyn, "She was the most complex, incredible, magnificent woman. She was the love of my life that girl." And thus we have Travilla's muse. A conflicted, beautiful creature that could wear a dress like her life depended on it and, okay, while her life did not actually depend on it, her career most certainly did.
While not a huge book by any stretch, it is well worth spending some time with as it gives the reader more than just a brief history of Travilla's relationship as Marilyn's designer at large, but also gives a history of Travilla's activity during this famous Golden era of Hollywood. Designing dresses and costumes for other starlets and stars.
There are not too many designers who can cut a lifetime of dresses so exquisitely to a woman's body that it nearly, single handedly, catapults them into stardom. Maybe Renee Zellweger and Carolina Herrera (although in Renee's case the dresses came after the star had risen), maybe Dita Von Teese and Jean Paul Gaultier.
You will find all the great dresses detailed in this book. The pink beauty from Diamonds Are Forever. The white dress that blew up about her waist in The Seven Year Itch. The gold lame dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes that she also wore to accept an award at the 1953 Photoplay Awards where she was criticised with "She looks vulgar" by the equally vulgar, Joan Crawford.
Marilyn will always be a style icon to women and men of the world, through her movies and through her charisma, but as much as anything else, through the stylings and stitchings of the incredible William Travilla.
While not a huge book by any stretch, it is well worth spending some time with as it gives the reader more than just a brief history of Travilla's relationship as Marilyn's designer at large, but also gives a history of Travilla's activity during this famous Golden era of Hollywood. Designing dresses and costumes for other starlets and stars.
There are not too many designers who can cut a lifetime of dresses so exquisitely to a woman's body that it nearly, single handedly, catapults them into stardom. Maybe Renee Zellweger and Carolina Herrera (although in Renee's case the dresses came after the star had risen), maybe Dita Von Teese and Jean Paul Gaultier.
You will find all the great dresses detailed in this book. The pink beauty from Diamonds Are Forever. The white dress that blew up about her waist in The Seven Year Itch. The gold lame dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes that she also wore to accept an award at the 1953 Photoplay Awards where she was criticised with "She looks vulgar" by the equally vulgar, Joan Crawford.
Marilyn will always be a style icon to women and men of the world, through her movies and through her charisma, but as much as anything else, through the stylings and stitchings of the incredible William Travilla.
December 30, 2011
This book is beautiful. I went to the exhibition of these dresses in Brighton a few years ago, so to read about what went into making them was so interesting. Stunning photography and sketches throughout the book. With a section about each famous dress she wore. A stunning book. A book any Marilyn Monroe fan should read and own.
June 6, 2012
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"Probably the most surprising missed opportunity in Dressing Marilyn is the complete absence of any biographical information about the star. Certainly there have been tons of books that have covered the actress and her movies, but it is still silly to assume that readers already know the facts of her life and career. There is a lengthy filmography included at the back of Dressing Marilyn for Travilla, but nothing for Marilyn herself, who is certainly helping sell many copies of this book.
Dressing Marilyn does include some interesting insight into how intricately constructed some of her costumes were. Travilla truly built a framework beneath the deceptively simple dresses to highlight the actress and her shape. A dress like the famous pleated gold sheath that has become one of the most iconic images of the star had interior wires structured to mold to her body, and was made from a fabric that can not be replicated today. Marilyn had a great grasp on how to promote herself, and counted on Travilla to create form-fitting dresses and gowns that would show her off to her best advantage, both on-screen and off. He even created a version in white of the pink gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes for her own personal collection."
"Probably the most surprising missed opportunity in Dressing Marilyn is the complete absence of any biographical information about the star. Certainly there have been tons of books that have covered the actress and her movies, but it is still silly to assume that readers already know the facts of her life and career. There is a lengthy filmography included at the back of Dressing Marilyn for Travilla, but nothing for Marilyn herself, who is certainly helping sell many copies of this book.
Dressing Marilyn does include some interesting insight into how intricately constructed some of her costumes were. Travilla truly built a framework beneath the deceptively simple dresses to highlight the actress and her shape. A dress like the famous pleated gold sheath that has become one of the most iconic images of the star had interior wires structured to mold to her body, and was made from a fabric that can not be replicated today. Marilyn had a great grasp on how to promote herself, and counted on Travilla to create form-fitting dresses and gowns that would show her off to her best advantage, both on-screen and off. He even created a version in white of the pink gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes for her own personal collection."
January 3, 2012
A beautiful coffee table book, perfect for more seasoned MM fans and fashionistas.
January 20, 2021
This book is priceless in terms of rare content and insights.
However it is littered with typos throughout, and there’s even a mistake on Page 130. “The illustrations for this movie show a more mature and refined Marilyn than in their early collaborations, though the smaller image in the top right corner of the risqué black sketch (see page 128) is clearly an “homage” to his iconic white dress design from ‘The Seven Year Itch’ (1955). “ However the illustration on page 128 contains no smaller image in the top right corner.
However it is littered with typos throughout, and there’s even a mistake on Page 130. “The illustrations for this movie show a more mature and refined Marilyn than in their early collaborations, though the smaller image in the top right corner of the risqué black sketch (see page 128) is clearly an “homage” to his iconic white dress design from ‘The Seven Year Itch’ (1955). “ However the illustration on page 128 contains no smaller image in the top right corner.
September 18, 2017
While I loved the content of this book, there were far too many misspellings and simple grammar errors that kept me from fully enjoying it. The editing was disappointing and because the errors were on every other page, it really took away from my enjoyment of what could have been a five-star coffee table must-have for Marilyn, design or classic Hollywood fans.
March 18, 2020
LOVED this book! The illustrations were stunning! I knew a little bit about Marilyn Monroe but I knew NOTHING about William Travilla! The sketches were amazing and the photographs were stunning! While the editing was not the best,I wouldn’t let that stop you from loving this book!
February 4, 2022
A very different read for me but picked it up on a whim today and really enjoyed it. Very fast read (under 2 hrs for me) and a very interesting take on one of the most iconic stars of all time.
December 12, 2011
Dressing Marilyn How a Hollywood icon was styled by William Travilla
By Andrew Hansford
with Karen Homer
“Billy Dear, please dress me forever. I love you, Marilyn” - Marilyn Monroe to Travilla
Contains previously unseen dress patterns, enchanting sketches, rare costume test shots and photographs of Marilyn wearing the dresses plus exclusive extracts from interviews with Travilla about his relationship with his fashion muse
William Travilla is one of the best costume designers of all time and Marilyn Monroe his most famous client. This fascinating book focuses on the striking dresses Travilla designed for Marilyn, from his early work on the thriller Don't Bother to Knock and the gorgeous pink dress in which Marilyn sang Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend, the legendary white dress from The Seven Year Itch, and the gold lame dress designed for Gentlemen Prefer blondes but deemed too scandalous to actually appear on screen. Yet surprisingly little is known about Travilla himself. Marilyn’s Dresses: How a Hollywood Icon was styled by William Travilla reveals how Travilla developed his creations and his relationship with his most famous client, offering a fresh insight into the golden age of Hollywood.
The authors are available for interview:
Andrew Hansford: Andrew Hansford has been involved in the fashion for many years, having worked as a model and established his own business in the beauty industry. However, his life changed dramatically in 2007 when after a phone call from a friend, a box of dresses designed by Travilla and associated with screen legend Marilyn arrived on his doorstep. Since then Andrew has worked with the Travilla Estate to help Travilla regain the renown he deserves by hosting 5 exhibitions (Travilla The Man Who Dressed Hollywood), many TV, radio and press interviews.
Karen Homer is a fashion writer who has written for Vogue and The Times. She has authored three books, including Things a Woman Should Know About Shoes.
By Andrew Hansford
with Karen Homer
“Billy Dear, please dress me forever. I love you, Marilyn” - Marilyn Monroe to Travilla
Contains previously unseen dress patterns, enchanting sketches, rare costume test shots and photographs of Marilyn wearing the dresses plus exclusive extracts from interviews with Travilla about his relationship with his fashion muse
William Travilla is one of the best costume designers of all time and Marilyn Monroe his most famous client. This fascinating book focuses on the striking dresses Travilla designed for Marilyn, from his early work on the thriller Don't Bother to Knock and the gorgeous pink dress in which Marilyn sang Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend, the legendary white dress from The Seven Year Itch, and the gold lame dress designed for Gentlemen Prefer blondes but deemed too scandalous to actually appear on screen. Yet surprisingly little is known about Travilla himself. Marilyn’s Dresses: How a Hollywood Icon was styled by William Travilla reveals how Travilla developed his creations and his relationship with his most famous client, offering a fresh insight into the golden age of Hollywood.
The authors are available for interview:
Andrew Hansford: Andrew Hansford has been involved in the fashion for many years, having worked as a model and established his own business in the beauty industry. However, his life changed dramatically in 2007 when after a phone call from a friend, a box of dresses designed by Travilla and associated with screen legend Marilyn arrived on his doorstep. Since then Andrew has worked with the Travilla Estate to help Travilla regain the renown he deserves by hosting 5 exhibitions (Travilla The Man Who Dressed Hollywood), many TV, radio and press interviews.
Karen Homer is a fashion writer who has written for Vogue and The Times. She has authored three books, including Things a Woman Should Know About Shoes.
Read
October 2, 2019Beautiful photographs of some of Marilyn Monroe’s dresses by her regular costume designer, William Travilla, showing close-up construction details along with descriptions of how each dress was conceived and created. Includes a fascinating, if breathlessly written, biography of Travilla and the rise and decline of the old movie studios. The photos - including a few I haven’t seen anywhere else - make this book well worth reading for anyone interested in Marilyn or costume design.
October 4, 2025
To begin with this is 192 pages, not one page. I can’t figure out how to change this!
Travilla created magnificent costumes filled with complex detail. To see them on screen was jaw dropping. Taking a closer look boggles the mind. The work that went into each memorable dress could only be described as astounding.
It goes beyond clever dressmaking techniques. What Marilyn wore had to play up to her sexy persona. At the same time Travilla needed to evade censorship. This resulted in a tricky balancing act.
A further challenge was suiting the wardrobe to the role. Although Marilyn had a distinct persona that made her a star, her roles were often quite different. Travilla made sure Marilyn’s clothes fit both her and her character.
The master and muse were friends as well as coworkers. Maybe that’s why they had such a good working relationship?
This book contains sketches of the first concepts, excellent photos of the original costumes (in glorious color), and shots as they appeared in the film.
The author is an adequate writer, nothing fancy, but he gets the points across with enthusiasm. I felt satisfied with the whole presentation.
Travilla created magnificent costumes filled with complex detail. To see them on screen was jaw dropping. Taking a closer look boggles the mind. The work that went into each memorable dress could only be described as astounding.
It goes beyond clever dressmaking techniques. What Marilyn wore had to play up to her sexy persona. At the same time Travilla needed to evade censorship. This resulted in a tricky balancing act.
A further challenge was suiting the wardrobe to the role. Although Marilyn had a distinct persona that made her a star, her roles were often quite different. Travilla made sure Marilyn’s clothes fit both her and her character.
The master and muse were friends as well as coworkers. Maybe that’s why they had such a good working relationship?
This book contains sketches of the first concepts, excellent photos of the original costumes (in glorious color), and shots as they appeared in the film.
The author is an adequate writer, nothing fancy, but he gets the points across with enthusiasm. I felt satisfied with the whole presentation.
September 19, 2012
A five star book for me! The photographs were beautiful.. but the typo errors were a little disconcerting, something you would think a copy editor would review before printing but what do I know.
A previous reviewer was very unflattering about the authors lack of any biographical information and filmography about Marilyn herself. I disagree with the filmography remark as there is a filmography about her, it's all done in pictures and text, not a list
As for biographical information about Marilyn?-
Pg 30- "William Travilla might not be the household name that Marilyn Monroe has become, but without the vision of this brilliant Hollywood costume designer some of the most iconic images of the Hollywood actress would never have exsisted"
This says it all for me- it's a book about William Travilla, his beautiful designs and the actress he styled for, in that order.
A previous reviewer was very unflattering about the authors lack of any biographical information and filmography about Marilyn herself. I disagree with the filmography remark as there is a filmography about her, it's all done in pictures and text, not a list
As for biographical information about Marilyn?-
Pg 30- "William Travilla might not be the household name that Marilyn Monroe has become, but without the vision of this brilliant Hollywood costume designer some of the most iconic images of the Hollywood actress would never have exsisted"
This says it all for me- it's a book about William Travilla, his beautiful designs and the actress he styled for, in that order.
November 1, 2012
An essential book for any dressmaker! Travilla had some very interesting ways of clothing the female form, and some very snappy little tricks, too.
Just enough history to keep the reader interested, and then straight into the dresses. Marilyn's most recognisable and controversial garments were created by Travilla.
This book is a good demonstration of how a well fitted garment can look better than an expensive one.
Just enough history to keep the reader interested, and then straight into the dresses. Marilyn's most recognisable and controversial garments were created by Travilla.
This book is a good demonstration of how a well fitted garment can look better than an expensive one.
September 27, 2013
Loved this book. As a costumer myself, it is an invaluable reference book as well as an intriguing mini-biography and piece of film history. The in-depth anaylsis of some of the dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe and created by William Travilla was incredible. The photos were all beautiful and the descriptions were great. My one complaint was that towards the end of the book, there were quite a few grammar and spelling errors, as well as one instance of mislabelling. Otherwise, awesome book!
February 24, 2016
Read this entire book in two sittings/one day. Loved it! So fascinating considering it is about fashion, a topic that until now I would have doubted could hold my interest for so long. The photos and illustrations were gorgeous, too. Loved loved loved the photos
May 6, 2016
Not about Marilyn, but about her clothes. Making, designing, fabrics. Good stuff.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews