Mattel has released a new collectible Barbie doll inspired by Marilyn Monroe to mark the 100th anniversary of her birth. The doll recreates one of the Hollywood icon’s most famous looks — the outfit Monroe wore while performing «Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend» in «Gentlemen Prefer Blondes».

Barbie wears a vibrant pink dress with a large bow at the back, long gloves and statement jewelry adorned with sparkling «diamonds». Monroe’s signature hairstyle completes the look. Her 1953 appearance in the outfit went on to become one of the most recognizable moments in Hollywood history. The original costume, designed by William Travilla, can be seen this year in an exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

«We created this doll as a tribute to Marilyn, drawing inspiration from the pink satin gown and diamonds she wore in the film», said Robert Best, Vice President and Creative Director at Mattel.

The new Barbie, however, celebrates more than Marilyn Monroe’s style. Mattel also highlights her legacy as an artist, entrepreneur and woman who was ahead of her time. The doll was created in collaboration with The Estate of Marilyn Monroe, LLC.

This is not the first Barbie inspired by Monroe. Mattel has been drawing on her legacy since the 1990s, and the new release is the seventh doll dedicated to the Hollywood icon.

The collectible Barbie Signature Marilyn Monroe Doll went on sale on August 18, priced at $81.

Photo: Instagram @mattelcreations, @barbie

Director and actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, known for films including «The Dark Knight», «Bride», and others, has directed the short film «Flesh Impact», dedicated to the legendary Marilyn Monroe.

The 17-minute film is set to premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, which will take place in September, according to Vanity Fair.

Gyllenhaal’s latest work is not a conventional biopic. Instead, it is a fictional exploration of what the life of the iconic Hollywood star might have been like had she not died so young. Through the film, the director offers an alternative perspective on Monroe’s story, reflecting not only on her career but also on what her later years might have looked like.

Dakota Johnson portrays the young Marilyn at the height of her fame, while the older version of the screen legend is played by 93-year-old Ellen Burstyn, who knew Monroe personally.

Peter Sarsgaard has also joined the cast.

Gyllenhaal admitted that she initially hesitated to take on Marilyn Monroe’s story. However, after exploring archival materials about the actress, she became so captivated by Monroe’s personality that she decided to create her own reinterpretation of the legendary icon.

According to the director, «Flesh Impact» is a story about all actresses who live under constant public scrutiny and the price they are forced to pay for fame.

Photo: Vanity Fair

In Palm Springs, Marilyn Monroe’s former residence has been put on the market – with an asking price of $3.3 million.

Known as «Marilyn Monroe’s Doll House», the property belonged to the actress shortly before her death in 1962. Built in 1961, it stands as a striking example of mid-century modern architecture, a style for which Palm Springs – particularly the prestigious neighborhood of Vista Las Palmas – is renowned. The home was designed by architect Charles DuBois, one of the key figures of «Desert Modernism», whose work left a lasting imprint on the city’s architectural identity.

Although the house has undergone partial updates over the decades – including new tilework, appliances, and electrical systems – the original interior elements have been carefully preserved. All four bathrooms remain largely untouched – featuring pastel-colored finishes and sinks in creamy yellow, soft pink, and pale blue.

According to listing agent David Emerson, the previous owners were committed to maintaining the spirit of the era and the distinctive atmosphere of mid-century design.

The home spans approximately 280 square meters – around 3,000 square feet. The layout includes a spacious open-plan living room with a fireplace, a separate dining room, an original semi-circular bar, and four bedrooms. Sliding glass doors along the main living area open onto a private courtyard – complete with a covered terrace, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and fire pit.

Vista Las Palmas was once a favored enclave for the vacation residences of stars of «Golden Age Hollywood», including Elvis Presley and Peter Lawford. Even today, Emerson describes it as «arguably the finest neighborhood in the city – thanks to its architectural heritage, mountain views, and close proximity to restaurants and downtown Palm Springs».

Public records show that the property last changed hands in 2020 – when it sold for $1.58 million. As reported by TMZ, the current owner is Nick Adler, founder of the clothing brand M Star Studios.

Photo: mansionglobal.com