Marilyn Monroe
1926~1962

and

William Travilla
1920~1990

Oscar winning costume designer William Travilla designed some of Marilyn's most memorable costumes, both on and off screen. He helped to sew her into the sheer gold lame dress she had worn (briefly-it was deemed too revealing to pass the censors) in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, to go and claim her award for Hollywood's "Fastest Rising Star of 1952." The now famous shocking pink gown Monroe wore to sing Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend! And the most famous of all, the unforgettable white pleated halter dress worn by Monroe while standing over a subway grate in The Seven Year Itch.

Besides enjoying a successful professional relationship, the two also enjoyed a personal friendship. Travilla claimed she was the easiest person to work with, and Marilyn claimed he was her favorite designer.

Marilyn autographed a nude calendar (the only known nude Monroe ever signed) for Travilla with the words, "Billy Dear, please dress me forever. I love you, Marilyn."


My Travilla Collection

     When I read last autumn that the original sketch for the "Seven Year Itch" dress was on the auction block, I was intrigued.  But, the 80,00.00 price tag was out of my league!  I then went in search of a print of the image I might purchase. Much to my dismay, there were none to be found.  So naturally, I simply decided to create my own version of it!  Using his sketches (above) as my inspiration, I've re-created three of my favorite, and probably most famous, Travilla/Monroe designs!  Though Travilla's originals appear to be watercolors, my images were done as full scale pencil drawings, followed by the addition of color using pastels and a dry brush technique. The originals will remain in my private collection for awhile, however, I am happy to share my limited edition prints of those images!

     Each print measures 6.5 by 9.5 image size, with outside paper dimension of 8.5 by 11 inches.  Each print is signed and numbered by me, the artist, and also comes with a certificate of authenticity which is also signed, dated and numbered.  They are printed on 146 lb., heavy weight, fine surface texture bristol. They are sold in sets of three only!  And not available individually.  The edition size is limited to one hundred prints.  This collection was created in May, 2005.
 


"The Seven Year Itch"


"Gold Lame"


"Lorelei Lee"

The Travilla Collection,
Set of three Prints:
"The Seven Year Itch"
"Gold Lame"
"Lorelei Lee"

Price: $124.95


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