When people hear “revenge dress,” Princess Diana’s off-the-shoulder black gown often comes to mind. Worn after King Charles III admitted to his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles, Diana’s outfit became a statement of confidence and independence. However, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe set the stage for this trend decades earlier with her own bold fashion choice during her divorce from Joe DiMaggio.
Monroe wore a now-iconic black dress, later dubbed the “DiMaggio Divorce Dress,” during her public announcement of their split. The form-fitting dress turned heads and showcased her resilience, helping her redefine breakup style long before it became a cultural phenomenon.
#1. Fashion’s Role in Monroe’s Divorce
Ironically, Monroe’s divorce from DiMaggio was triggered by a different dress — the white halter dress she famously wore in The Seven Year Itch. In the film’s most famous scene, Monroe’s dress flies up over a subway grate, something that horrified DiMaggio, who was present on set. According to Monroe’s friend Brad Dexter, DiMaggio’s jealousy and control issues had long troubled the star, who confided in him about her unhappiness in the marriage. She said, “He wants to cut me off completely from my whole world of motion pictures, friends, and creative people that I know.”
Their relationship reached a breaking point when DiMaggio allegedly beat Monroe, prompting her to file for divorce on the grounds of “mental cruelty.” Throughout the highly publicized and emotionally taxing ordeal, Monroe remained poised, with her choice of attire, such as the “DiMaggio Divorce Dress,” reinforcing her image as a glamorous, unbreakable figure.
#2. The DiMaggio Divorce Dress Lives On
Even decades after Monroe’s divorce, the “DiMaggio Divorce Dress” remains an iconic piece of pop culture history. In 2019, the dress resurfaced when it was auctioned at GWS Auctions, with an opening bid of $20,000.
Brigitte Kruse, owner and lead auctioneer of GWS Auctions, shared the story of how the dress was rediscovered after being lost for years. A long-time collector trusted her enough to reveal the dress during a visit. She guessed correctly that it had once belonged to Monroe, securing the dress for the auction. The item attracted global attention, with buyers from all over the world eager to own a piece of Monroe’s enduring legacy.
Monroe’s ability to turn personal turmoil into a powerful fashion statement set the stage for generations of women to use clothing as a form of silent empowerment during difficult moments. The “DiMaggio Divorce Dress” solidified Monroe’s place as the original queen of revenge dressing.
