Profiles in History

Profiles in History

The Only Nude Signed Photograph of Marilyn Monroe, Original Costume Design Sketch of Marilyn's Famous Dress from ``Seven Year Itch,'' to Be Auctioned by Profiles In History

Business Wire - Twenty-nine of Bill Travilla's "Long Lost Collection" of high-style costumes sketches of dresses and gowns created for Marilyn Monroe and other legendary stars go up for auction Friday, December 10th, 2004, by Profiles In History, the number one company in the world for live and simultaneous Internet Hollywood memorabilia auctions. This collection of sketches is highlighted by the single most famous dress in Hollywood history -- the billowy, white crepe halter-top dress and sunburst-pleated skirt he created for Monroe for her classic subway wind scene in the 1955 Billy Wilder film "The Seven Year Itch," which exposed Marilyn's legs and thighs to the world. Ranked as the most important costume design ever created for film, it is expected to sell for between $80,000 and $100,000. Profiles in History will be offering an vintage "touring" copy OF THE DRESS ITSELF, created by Travilla.

The Travilla Collection, long thought to have been lost in a devastating fire in Travilla's loft in downtown Los Angeles in 1990, was salvaged by his friend and business partner Bill Sarris. Also included are sketches for gowns created by him for Jane Russell, Claudette Colbert, Greta Garbo, Gwen Verdon, Joanne Woodward, Debbie Reynolds, Judy Garland, Lana Turner and others.

This unique collection is the centerpiece among almost 500 movie and television memorabilia items to be auctioned. Continuing to feed movie fans' hungry appetite for all things Marilyn, Profiles In History will offer bidders the opportunity to own the ONLY signed, nude photograph of Marilyn Monroe, autographed to Mr. Travilla.

As with previous Profiles In History auctions, bidders attend in person or bid by phone or fax, or by simultaneous live internet hookup through eBay Live Auctions (http://www.ebaylive auctions.com), which reaches buyers around the world.

Highlights of other memorabilia items to be auctioned include: Original John Alvin poster art for "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," estimated to sell between $100,000 and $150,000; a complete vintage costume of H.R. Pufnstuf, estimated to sell between $25,000 and $35,000; Don Knotts Deputy uniform shirt from "The Andy Griffith Show," estimated to sell for between $10,000 and $12,000; Johnny Carson's historic monologue curtains from "The Tonight Show," estimated to sell between $30,000 and $40,000; Mel Gibson's hero broadsword used in "Braveheart," estimated to sell between $10,000 and $12,000; and many more one-of-a-kind collectables.

Who needs cheese toasties when real iconic work is up for sale?