Madonna’s Material Girl Dress Sold by Julien’s Auctions for $287,500

Madonna’s Material Girl Dress and accessories, worn in her famous 1985 music video, sold for $287,500 today as part of the Music Icons collection by Julien’s Auctions. The auction house previously sold the dress by itself for $73,125 in 2014.

The historical items consist of a pink satin dress with bustier top and oversized pink satin bow, a white fox fur stole from Edwards-Lowell of Beverly Hills, a pair of pink satin opera gloves, and three rhinestone bracelets. The look was a nod to Marilyn Monroe’s performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the classic musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Twentieth Century Fox, 1953). Julien’s Auctions lists the outfit as one that has endured as Madonna’s most iconic looks.

Julien’s Auctions has sold other Madonna items, including the original wedding dress she wore to marry actor Sean Penn in 1985, as well as the Desperately Seeking Susan jacket, and other iconic outfits she wore in the movie Evita, and on The Who’s that Girl Tour. The personal items fetched over $500,000 at an auction in Beverly Hills (The highest lot was the Desperately Seeking Susan jacket, which fetched $252,000).

Other items sold included her ivory satin halter gown worn in her 1990 “Vogue” music video, which sold for $179,200. Her “Material Girl” hot pink charmeuse silk headband with bow embellishment sold for $28,125, which went for 14 times its original estimate.

There was an open exhibit allowing the fans and potential buyers the opportunity to see the collection in person in 2014. This year the auction took place in New York City and online.

“Take note Kim,” said @_rosey_malone_bridges on Julien’s Auctions Instagram page, calling out Kim Kardashian for wearing one of Marilyn Monroe’s original dresses to the most recent Met Gala. “Replica is ok 👍 even though you’re a boring vessel of a human being.”

“Notice that she didn’t ruin the Original & had her own made,” posted @championmia. “Brilliant idea!!!” 

Legend has it that the iconic Material Dress was originally made for the 1980 TV movie “Norma Jean.” It was rented from the Palace Costume and Prop Co. for the singer to use in her music video. The dress was later used in “Blonde,” the 2001 TV movie exploring the life of Marilyn Monroe.

The Material Girl The music video was shot January 10 and 11, 1985, at Ren-Mar Studios in Hollywood, California, and was directed by Mary Lambert who had previously directed the videos for “Borderline” and “Like a Virgin”. It celebrates its 38th anniversary this year.