Marilyn Monroe 'Happy Birthday Mr. President' Lock Of Hair
photo: paul fraser collectibles
Large lock of blonde hair was trimmed from Monroe's head by Champion just prior to that iconic performance and remained in his personal collection for decades.
On the night of May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe gave one of the most famous performances of her career, during a celebration for President John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday at Madison Square Garden in New York. Monroe sang a sultry version of 'Happy Birthday Mr. President' whilst wearing a virtually see-through dress, fuelling rumors of a secret affair with the President which have endured to this day. Just hours before her performance, Monroe visited her personal hairdresser Robert Champion at the Coiffures Americana Beauty Salon, housed within the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue. After he had cut and styled her hair, Monroe asked Champion to attend the event with her, so that he could touch up her hair and make-up just before she went on-stage. Upon her arrival at Madison Square Garden, Monroe was presented with her outfit for the evening. Designed by Jean Louis, the highly revealing, flesh-colored dress was covered in thousands of rhinestones and was so tight Monroe had to be sewn into it, delaying her stage entrance.
