A coat once owned by Marilyn Monroe is expected to fetch as much as $18,000 when it heads to auction this summer.
A coat owned by Marilyn Monroe is being sold this summer
The gold mid-length long-sleeved opera coat – crafted from gold brocade and featuring the initials MM stitched in red into the lining – was made by a tailor based in Hong Kong called Mohan’s and was purchased by the iconic movie star just two months before her death in 1962. Monroe he lent it to her publicist, Patricia Newcomb, who wore it to the John F. Kennedy birthday celebration event at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962 where the actress famously sang Happy Birthday to him.
It is now going under the hammer as part of Bonhams’ Icons of Fashion sale next month. Marissa Speer, Bonhams Head of Sale for Handbags Fashion, US, said: “The highlight of the Icons of Fashion sale is appropriately a piece that belonged to a true Hollywood icon, a gold brocade opera coat formerly owned by Marilyn Monroe, who was and remains, such a pivotal style icon.
“The opera coat is a perfect example of her enduring style with a wonderful, monogrammed label adding a personal touch.”
She added of the coat’s history: “Following her tragic passing in 1962, the coat was bequeathed to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg and hasn’t been seen on the market since 1999.
“We are delighted to present the coat at auction allowing collectors and fans alike, the opportunity to discover such a personal piece from her wardrobe.”
The coat is expected to fetch between $12,000 and $18,000 when it goes for sale in the Bonhams Icons of Fashion sale taking place on Bonhams.com from 7 -16 June 2026.
The coat owned by Monroe isn’t the only fashion gem going under the hammer this summer – rival auction house Christie’s is going to be selling two handbags once owed by the late Dame Elizabeth Taylor.
The two Fendi Baguette bags will be sold as part of Handbags Online: The New York Edit, which is running from May 28 until June 11.
Both of Taylor’s bags are expected to make from $3,000 to $5,000 each.