A controversial new shoot for a fashion magazine has attempted to re-imagine what Marilyn Monroe would be like if she were a modern star, with the Hollywood icon digitally styled in current style trends.
As interest in the legendary movie star continues to reach new heights after her death in 1962, CR Fashion Book China found a new way to make the beloved actress their cover star for the upcoming magazine issue.
The fourth issue of the publication features a digitized version of Monroe, whose image has also been modernized in the shoot, digitally curated by CR’s Founder and Creative Director, Carine Roitfeld.
Modern Muse: Marilyn Monroe Has Been Revealed as the Digital Cover Star for CR Fashion Book China
The Power of Imagination: Using CGI Technology, the Fashion Shoot Tried to Re-imagine the Hollywood Icon as a Modern-Day Celebrity
With eight different covers already available on international newsstands, the actress is seen sporting contemporary designs from the likes of Miu Miu, Fendi, Balmain and Balenciaga.
However, the shoot has sparked outrage among some fans of the entertainer as many took to social media to express concerns about how her image is being used.
One Twitter user stated: “The amount of content her face has been using lately doesn’t feel like a tribute to me, they’re just exploiting a person who can’t allow or deny this, just to sell magazines and merchandise, this is wrong.’
Another argued: ‘The main thing she wanted was not to be exploited and instead people tried their best to do that. Shame.’
Double take: The project was carried out in partnership with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the brand development, marketing and entertainment company that owns the Monroe estate
Model Favorite: The late actress was styled in contemporary designs by the likes of Thom Browne, Balenciaga, Miu Miu and Fendi
“Should we all just leave Marilyn alone. Let the woman rest!” a third added.
A fourth wrote: ‘Why would they modernize Marilyn Monroe? And put her in these ugly looks???’
“Idk, this is quite unnerving for me. It’s just a little shocking to see past 50s celebrities in modern clothes,” commented another.
Many of the disappointed fans turned to Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the brand development, marketing and entertainment company that owns Monroe’s estate.
“Marilyn’s ‘estate’ is managed by a soulless company called authentic brand group, who bought the 75% stake in Marilyn Left Lee Strasberg from his third wife Marilyn never met!” wrote one Twitter user in a scathing post. “After Strasberg died, the third wife flooded the market with tawdry Marilyn brand kitsch and made millions (sic).”
From then on, Marilyn was almost always late to the studio, or hid for hours in her dressing room with Strasberg.
Big project: The CGI images were created by Web3 startup Amethyst
Not Cool: Some fans were less than impressed with the project, claiming it abused the late star’s image and legacy
Another commented: ‘The @MarilynMonroe estate has never been personally related to Marilyn Monroe. I don’t understand why it’s legal for them to do this.
“The least they can do is promote that she respects her image. Don’t support these individuals/groups who don’t respect her.’
Meanwhile, others on Twitter saw no problem with redesigned images, as one fan claimed: “I think the photos are cool, and it’s nice to see someone’s image in new, fresh ways. A digital medium is just as artistically valid as her painting.’
Another added: ‘Marilyn Monroe styled by Carine Roitfeld for CR Fashion Book. Obsessed with this’.
Following their print debut, the eight cover images will be minted as NFTs and made available through Amethyst’s digital platform
In it: However, some fans claimed the reaction was an overreaction
“Know that this project generates a lot of different opinions, but the photos are cool to look at,” tweeted a third.
The wardrobe for the shoot also saw Monroe in pieces from fashion houses such as Thom Browne and David Koma, as well as digital fashion houses Auroboros and Tribute Brand.
In a piece written by Vienna Vernose, Roitfeld discussed Monroe’s legacy and how she sought to embody the star’s “timeless elegance and sense of empowerment.”
“Few cultural figures are more revered for their beauty and panache than Marilyn Monroe,” Roitfeld gushed. “She’s a dream cover star for any fashion editor and someone I’ve always admired for pioneering the creation of a compelling personal brand that went beyond her work.”
Unforgettable: Marilyn Monroe has remained one of the biggest stars in Hollywood history
Collector’s item: CR China 4 is now available in international newsstands
The fashion legend continued, “This is an important facet of most celebrities today, but Marilyn was one of the first to do it. I embraced the unique challenge of coming up with a modern photoshoot for such a classic star.
“The looks I’ve put together with Gaultier feature some of my favorite designers working today — as Marilyn has always been known as a trendsetter — while still embossing her timeless elegance and sense of empowerment.”
Marilyn Monroe is arguably the biggest star in Hollywood history, with her name and looks transcending the film industry to make her a household name before her untimely death in August 1962.
But despite her massive fame, the actress remains somewhat of an enigma, with very little known about her private life or the circumstances leading up to her death from an overdose at age 36.