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| The Blue Book Modelling Agency years |
Although Marilyn Monroe is one of the most analyzed figures in film history, her early steps as a model at the Blue Book modelling agency remain one of the least explored phases.
On August 2, 1945, when she walked through the agency's door, in Los Angeles, her life changed forever.
Norma Jeane arrived accompanied by photographer Potter Hueth, wearing a simple, impeccably pressed white dress and carrying a portfolio containing only a few photos. The choice of dress was unusual for models, but it drew attention for how it accentuated her figure. According to the agency director, Emmeline Snively, the only other pieces she owned were a white bathing suit and a teal-blue suit ‘that didn’t do a thing for her".
During the interview, observing other models, Norma Jeane murmured:
"Those are the prettiest girls I have ever seen,’ she muttered, almost to herself, before turning to Miss Snively. ‘Do you think I could ever get my picture on a magazine cover?’ Miss Snively looked her up and down. ‘Of course,’ she smiled. ‘You’re a natural.’
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| Norma Jeane, in a white dress and carrying a briefcase inspired by Miss Snively's description. |
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| Outfit inspired on advertisements for Movieland — including the Shetland “Star Suit”, for Arnolds of Hollywood. |
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| Outfit inspired on Douglas Airview ads for American Airlines, shot by the Larry Kronquist agency. |
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| Receptionist at the Holga Steel Company auditorium — her first official job through the agency. |
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| At the Ambassador Hotel posing with a blue summer dress—with a draped halter neckline, open back, and a bodice that revealed her midriff—was provided by Bullocks Wilshire. |
Much
of what Marilyn learned from the Blue Book modeling agency would stay
with her throughout her life and literally opened many doors for her,
allowing her access to a career in film.
After all, it all started with a simple, universal, profoundly human desire:
I wanna be loved by you, just you 🧡
Bibliography compiled based on print and digital sources:
Franse, A., & Morgan, M. (2015). Before Marilyn: The Blue Book Modeling Years.
Vogel, M. (2014). Marilyn Monroe: Her Films, Her Life. McFarland & Company.
Casting Norma Jeane: A Starlet is Transformed Into Marilyn Monroe. (ano não indicado).
Lo, D. (2012). Marilyn Monroe: A Life in Pictures.
Julien’s Auctions. (s.d.). Déjà Vu (catálogo de leilão)
Divine Marilyn Monroe. (s.d.). CanalBlog. https://divinemarilyn.canalblog.com
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Embora Marilyn Monroe seja uma das figuras mais analisadas da história do cinema, os seus primeiros passos como modelo na agência Blue Book continuam a ser uma das fases menos exploradas. No dia 2 de agosto de 1945, quando entrou pela porta da agência no Hotel Ambassador em Los Angeles, a sua vida mudou para sempre. Norma Jeane chegou acompanhada pelo fotógrafo Potter Hueth, usando um vestido branco simples, impecavelmente passado, e levando um portfólio que continha apenas algumas fotos. A escolha do vestido era incomum para modelos, mas chamava atenção pela forma como realçava a sua silhueta. Segundo a diretora da agência, Emmeline Snively, as únicas outras peças que ela possuía eram um fato de banho branco e um terno azul‑turquesa que “não a favorecia em nada”. Durante a entrevista, ao observar outras modelos, Norma Jeane murmurou: “Estas são as raparigas mais bonitas que já vi… acha que eu poderia aparecer na capa de uma revista?” Snively sorriu: “Claro. Tens talento natural. Muito do que Marilyn aprendeu com a agência de modelos Blue Book a acompanharia por toda a vida e, literalmente, abriu muitas portas para ela, permitindo o acesso a uma carreira no cinema. Até à próxima!