Instead of going back to the archives and finding some images to publish, we have invited Jennifer Lilya to illustrate Marilyn Monroe in the latest fall/winter Dolce & Gabbana collection. What Jennifer has also done is accompanying each illustration with a famous quote from Monroe. The following interview will also provide some information on what Lilya thinks of this iconic figure.

Hello Jennifer, it’s our pleasure to be collaborating this project with you and we are really amazed by the illustrations you have done for us! So let me start off this interview with this: when you think of Marilyn Monroe, what does she represent for you?

To me, she represents femininity, humor, vulnerability, and pure beauty.

I agree with you and she is always one of the most ideal female icons to me. So Marilyn has created many iconic looks, which one do you think is her most iconic? Why?

I'd have to go with "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. Marilyn is perfection here! That amazing pink gown, dripping with diamonds, every hair in place- she's absolutely stunning & a total comedic riot while looking superb. It's an awesome combination of beauty, fun & wit.

“Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” is always my favourite scene from all of her movies and it is just timeless to me. Now, in your own opinion, why do you think Marilyn is timeless?

Just look at her- such gorgeous features, blindingly blonde, curves all day long, as well as charm, sassiness & sensitivity.

I think her blonde hair has become a part of the American culture and I find it fascinating that artists, such as Andy Warhol, like to use her as the pop art subject. So let’s imagine this situation: if you were having breakfast with her, what would you ask her?

We would have Bloody Mary on our table, sipping it and I would ask her how she was, for real.  I wouldn't settle for some canned PR actress answer.

If I could have the chance, I would probably ask her things she would want to do if she could be a normal person for a day. Now that you have illustrated Marilyn Monroe in Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2012 collection, what do you think the brand and the icon have in common?

I will have to say they both have feminine strength, sexiness, and timelessness. Both of them are also so much fun!

Credit: Jennifer Lilya

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