BEVERLY HILLS, CA.- Julien's Auctions has announced the auction of the David Gainsborough-Roberts Marilyn Monroe Collection. Comprising film costumes, personal gowns and clothing, jewelry, and property owned by Marilyn Monroe, together with original photographs and film posters, this prolific and historic collection is undoubtedly the most important Marilyn Monroe archive of combined professional and personal property to hit the collecting market in decades. Collector David Gainsborough-Roberts is known to have amassed the world's largest collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia which he has carefully and lovingly curated for years.

Film worn costumes included in this sale cover an extensive portion of Marilyn's acting career, from “Niagara,” released in 1953, to “Some Like It Hot,” released in 1959. Seven of Marilyn's most notable films are represented in this auction with many created by award winning designers and well known costumers of Hollywood yesteryear.

Extraordinary highlights from the screen icon's life include the sheer beaded and sequined dress Monroe wore as she crooned “I'm Through With Love” in the award winning film “Some Like it Hot,” which today is considered one of the greatest comedy films ever. The film won the best picture Golden Globe in 1960. Monroe won a Golden Globe award for her portrayal of Sugar Kane, perhaps one of her most famous roles. Orry-Kelly won the 1959 Academy Award for costume design for his work on this film. Other highlights include the white full-length gown of satin with sheer overlay embellished with faux pearls created by Academy Award nominated designer Beatrice Dawson and worn by Marilyn in “The Prince and The Showgirl,” the second of two films produced by Marilyn Monroe Productions. The Academy Award nominated designer Beatrice Dawson created this costume. Monroe won the French and Italian equivalents of the American Academy Award for her portrayal of Elsie Marina in this film opposite Sir Laurence Olivier.

“Marilyn Monroe is one of the biggest and most endearing screen icons of our time,” said Darren Julien, Founder & CEO of Julien's Auctions. “We are so honored to be working with David Gainsborough-Roberts with his incredible collection of Marilyn Monroe artifacts. He has meticulously archived so many important aspects of Marilyn's career and personal life.”

The elaborate stage costume worn by Marilyn as she sang, “After You Get What You Want You Don't Want It” in the 1953 comedy “There's No Business Like Show Business,” designed by one of Marilyn's all-time favorite designers, Academy Award winning designer William “Billy” Travilla, is also part of the collection being offered by Julien's Auctions. Other costumes includes the green satin one-piece with black sequins and gold fringe Marilyn wore as she sang “That Old Black Magic” in “Bus Stop”, which was the first of two films produced by her new production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions.

Marilyn received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Cherie, and the film itself was nominated for the Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy Golden Globe, and also the famous “wiggle dress” designed by Dorothy Jenkins for the 1953 thriller “Niagara.” This feature film established Marilyn as a star, and showcased her dramatic acting abilities. While ultimately not worn in the film, Marilyn wore this dress to various events and for publicity photos.

Additional film pieces offered include costumes from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “Let's Make Love,” and “The Misfits,” along with a pair of rhinestone earrings worn by Monroe in “How To Marry A Millionaire.”

Publicity worn items include the 19th century style bodice Monroe wore when she was photographed by Jack Cardiff in 1957, and also the lilac colored satin leotard Marilyn wore to be photographed by Richard Avedon when she posed as Lillian Russell for a 1958 feature in Life magazine. Personal wardrobe pieces from Marilyn Monroe include a black cocktail dress by Ceil Chapman, a favorite of Marilyn's, and also the full length evening gown Marilyn wore to the 1955 premiere of “The Rose Tattoo."

“More than half a century after her death, the world remains fascinated by Marilyn Monroe's beauty and talent,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien's Auctions. “The collection David has amassed over the years is beyond incredible. The amazing costumes, personal items, and archived materials will set a new standard for auctions of Marilyn Monroe artifacts. Without a doubt, this auction is unprecedented in every way imaginable and Julien's Auctions is proud to host it.”

Additional highlights include personal prescriptions, evening gloves, jewelry, shoes, household items, and Marilyn Monroe's Detroit Free Press “New Faces Award” from 1952.