Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday fuels fashion tributes and revisits Hollywood labor legacy

As the world marks the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth, fashion brands such as Guess, Pull&Bear, Jacquemus and Max Mara have launched capsule collections that reinterpret the actress’s iconic 1950s style. The lines feature halter dresses, high‑waisted pants, and graphic tees that reference Monroe’s signature looks, positioning her as a lasting muse for contemporary women’s fashion.

Alongside the sartorial celebrations, Monroe’s influence on the film industry is being reassessed. In 1954 she left her studio contract with Twentieth Century‑Fox, founded Marilyn Monroe Productions with photographer Milton Greene, and secured a groundbreaking deal that granted her higher pay, creative control and director selection rights. This move set a precedent for artist autonomy and labor negotiations in Hollywood, highlighting her role as a pioneer for women’s rights in the entertainment sector.