Marilyn Monroe’s Potato Sack Dress: A Playful Take on 1950s Fashion
Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Potato Sack Dress: A Hollywood Response to Criticism
In 1952, Marilyn Monroe captivated the public not only with her beauty but also with her wit when she posed in a potato sack dress on two occasions. This striking look emerged as a humorous rebuttal to a gossip columnist’s disparaging remarks about one of her previous outfits, which had been labeled “cheap and vulgar.”
The narrative began when Edith Gwynn, writing for the Los Angeles Mirror, criticized Monroe’s gown at the Photoplay Awards, claiming it was “ill-fitting and too tight in all the WRONG places.” Gwynn suggested that Monroe, as a rising star, deserved a wardrobe that better reflected her status. “They’d find that a few thousand $$$ invested in a wardrobe, hairdos and charm schooling for Marilyn would pay off,” she wrote.
In response, 20th Century-Fox seized the opportunity to turn the critique into publicity. The studio commissioned photographer Gene Kornmann to capture Monroe in a burlap sack adorned with “U.S. NO. 1 IDAHO.” One image was featured in the weekend edition of the Los Angeles Mirror, accompanied by the caption, “The Studio’s Answer To Edith Gwynn,” emphasizing the whimsical nature of the shoot.
This daring fashion statement was not Monroe’s only foray into potato sack chic. A second photo shoot, featuring a similar look, was later published in Stare, highlighting Monroe’s playful approach to fashion. The second design, likely crafted by costume designer William Travilla, notably deviated from Kornmann’s visuals, showcasing Monroe in a more casual style.
The lasting impact of Monroe’s potato sack dress continues to inspire the fashion world. In February 2026, Idaho-born designer Cartier Dior Eliasen unveiled "The Haute Potato Collection" at New York Fashion Week, paying tribute to Monroe’s audacious choice. Eliasen remarked, “The juxtaposition of someone as glamorous as Marilyn Monroe wearing something as simple as a potato sack is so unexpected and striking, and there is a reason why the photo remains iconic to this day.”
As Monroe’s playful challenge to critics endures, the fashion world not only recognizes her legacy but also contributes to charitable causes. The runway collection featured auction items to benefit No Kid Hungry, raising awareness for childhood hunger.
Monroe’s potato sack dress remains a testament to her enduring spirit and brilliance in turning negativity into memorable moments.
