Marilyn Monroe's Stunning Dress For Her First & Only Oscars Almost Didn't Make It On Stage

In the late '40s and early '50s, Marilyn Monroe had snagged a few small movie roles, including "Dangerous Years," "The Asphalt Jungle," and "All About Eve," leading up to the 1951 Academy Awards. Incidentally, the latter — in which Monroe played the promising Copacabana School of Dramatic Arts graduate, Claudia Casswell – received a record-breaking 14 Oscar nominations that year. Although Monroe wasn't a nominee herself, she was invited by the Academy to present the "Best Sound Recording" award, a category in which "All About Eve" was nominated and ultimately won. But it was her dress that evening that stole the show.

At just 25, it was Monroe's first (and only) attendance at the Oscars, which, for many stars even then, required considerable planning and preparation. Hair, makeup, and wardrobe are among the key elements. Though she would later wear designer pieces by the likes of Dior, Ceil Chapman, Jax, and Emilio Pucci, she hadn't yet made such connections so early on in her career. Monroe would instead take her pick from the Fox Studios wardrobe department.

The rising star chose a stunning black tulle gown dotted with sequins, featuring a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder details, designed by Fox's head costumer, Charles LeMaire. However, the dress, which was previously worn by Valentina Cortese in "The House on Telegraph Hill," had a large rip down the side. Monroe noticed the tear only moments before she was due to appear on stage and initially declined to present the award. Fortunately, a seamstress arrived in the nick of time to mend the gown, allowing Monroe to make her memorable Oscars debut.

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Before her untimely death in 1962 at just 36 years old, Marilyn Monroe left a legacy in film as she did in fashion. She will forever be remembered for the iconic white flare dress in "The Seven Year Itch," and, of course, the pink ensemble while performing "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Known for her hourglass silhouette and commanding presence, the blond bombshell could make a burlap potato sack look like something out of a fashion magazine. Besides Monroe's iconic style that was influenced mainly by comfort, many of her iconic looks are still revered in today's fashion landscape and continue to inspire designers and celebrities alike.

Among her most glamorous looks is her almost-never-worn 1951 Oscars tulle gown. Though technically borrowed, Monroe made the Charles LeMaire design entirely her own, wearing the dress with understated jewels and impeccably coiffed blond hair (a far cry from Monroe's natural hair color). As she stepped on stage to present the award, Monroe showcased the princess-style dress to perfection, pulling the layered tulle neckline over her shoulders to create an effortlessly elegant old Hollywood look.

More than 70 years later, fans still consider Monroe a true style icon, with her 1951 Oscars gown reflecting her timeless sophistication. "She was so graceful and so beautiful, and that gown was so elegant," one Facebook user commented on a clip of Monroe presenting at the Oscars. Another wrote, "Such a beautiful, classy dress!" while a third declared, "There will never be another like Marilyn Monroe."