I see London, I see France, I see Marilyn’s underpants …
There’s little doubt of Marilyn Monroe’s predominance as America’s iconic sex symbol. One of the most timeless and well-known images of Marilyn has her standing over the subway grates in a white halter dress as the wind blows her skirt a little too high above the knee in The Seven Year Itch. Of course, she’s also showcasing that playful laugh.
This image of Marilyn has been blown into big proportions, and I mean literally. Earlier this month a 26-foot statue of Marilyn in this iconic pose was revealed in Palm Springs, California, on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way. Marilyn thus returns to the place where she was discovered, when one day, talent agent Johnny Hyde spotted her posing for photos near the poolside at Farrell’s Racquet Club. Soon after, he signed her to a contract, and the rest is history.
In commemoration of the star, the “Forever Marilyn” statue by Seward Johnson will be on display until June 2013. Surrounding the unveiling of the statue is the “Play Like Marilyn” series of events and activities, planned by the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.
Here are some “like Marilyn” things you can do:
Learn About Marilyn: Celebrity Tour – Marilyn lived in a 50’s style bungalow in Las Palmas. With the tour, you can scope out her not-so-humble abode, as well as the residences of other big shot stars like Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis and Priscilla.
Pay Homage to Marilyn: Palm Canyon Drive – It’s like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with 350 Golden Palm Stars on the downtown sidewalk. Look for Marilyn’s (P.S. it’s right next to her statue).
Shop Like Marilyn: Vintage Design – Recreate the glamorous look Marilyn was known for scavenging among the many vintage shops for dresses, jewelry, fine arts and Marilyn memorabilia.
Stay Like Marilyn: Vacation Homes and Boutique Hotels – Marilyn used to stay at the Sand Acre Estate, among other places, in her own private tower bedroom and balcony, where she would rendezvous with Joe DiMaggio. You can also walk in her footsteps (except for the Joe DiMaggio part). Or for a quirkier feel you can opt to stay at the Palm Springs Rendezvous in Marilyn’s own “Pretty in Pink” room.
With Marilyn’s birthday falling in June and the anniversary of her death in August, you can bet that it’ll be a Marilyn-filled summer.
www.palmspringsrendezvous.com