Marilyn Monroe Beach Sweater Photoshoot
Jessica Wagner
rob + jess recreate
THE SWEATER:
When my mother asked if I was interested in this sweater years ago I immediately picked up on the fact that it was very similar to the one Marilyn Monroe wore during her last photo shoot on the beach with photographer George Barris.
It is mine now, and an instant favorite for its vintage oversize coziness. I knew I wanted to recreate images with Rob wearing it on the beach like Monroe.
The sweater was a purchase of my mother’s in 1982 while on a road trip across the country with my dad. They had driven to California for my Aunt’s graduation from San Diego State University. At some point during the trip they went to a market in Tijuana, Mexico where she purchased two of the sweaters, one for her and one for my grandmother for $50.
It is beautiful in craftsmanship and artistry, but also has a story. I can picture my mom and dad very much in love, cruising out in the Californian desert on their way down to Mexico….
I don’t have any photos of my mother wearing it, but these were taken on that trip.
Some of my favorite vintage pieces I own are ones that have been passed down from my family. Always the sentimental, I am lucky enough to have a few treasures from my Mother, Aunts, Grandmothers, and even my Dad.
THE SHOOT:
Rob and I waited for a cloudy morning. We shot at the beach in Marblehead. We like the early morning with no crowds and soft light.
I had the white retro swimsuit and yellow towel for props. My sweater is missing the waist tie, so we just made do. It was humid, so I was bummed the curls completely came out my hair. Other than that, we just tried to match a few images and then create our own.
For the final edits, we wanted a grainy film look like Barris’s images of Monroe.
When recreating listen to what moves or inspires you.
For me, I wanted Rob and I to try and capture some of the happy carefree feelings the images provoked. I also wanted to see if I could channel the vulnerable sadness behind Monroe’s character that I always sense in her images… yet, somehow they still always make me feel happy.
Norma Jean: Marilyn Monroe in her sweater.
Shot at Santa Monica Beach, California July 13, 1962 by George Barris.
Monroe died weeks later on August 4th 1962.
