Old soldiers fade away, stars eventually dim and icons get replaced. But legends never fall from grace, as long as people pay to see their face. Plastered forever on mugs, calendars, posters and a potpourri of products, Marilyn Monroe, who died in her prime, is still big business. Defying the current thin-is-in, less-is-more female sexual ideal, Monroe's sometimes size 14 figure and flawed personal life continue to seduce.
A voluptuous, blonde beauty who's the Yin to Elvis' Yang, Monroe's image is reported to net between $1 million to $2 million a year for the estate of Marilyn Monroe through licensing agreements handled by CMG Worldwide. Had she lived to see her 75th birthday on June 1, her Golden-Calf-like status with merchandisers would certainty be diminished. She is quoted as having said, "I want to grow old without facelifts. I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face I have made."
It wouldn't matter if she had taken the Shelly Winters or the Joan Collins approach to aging, a living Monroe would be merely mortal. Yet, nearly 40 years since her mysterious death (naked except for the phone in her hand) there doesn't seem to be a product she can't sell.
Though her famous Happy Birthday Mr. President gown was auctioned at Christies for $1.26 million, you don't have to marry a millionaire, or be one, to experience the flavor of her fame. One winery in California is selling Monroe's brand of sex appeal by the bottle for around $20. The soft, full-bodied "Marilyn Merlot" (left) is an aptly named, Napa Valley vintage created by Nova Wines. Each year a different image of Monroe is on the label, possibly suggesting whether the wine that season was tart, tangy or tame. "Norma Jean, a young Merlot" is predictably not as interesting.
If you're feeling tipsy from tasting Marilyn, the Leather Center's Scarlet Kiss chaise from its Marilyn Monroe Intimate Allure Collection is the perfect place to repose. Since only 1,000 of the red leather chaises were made, the Wrap loveseat or the Marilyn by Moonlight bed, also from the furniture line, are excellent alternatives. The supple leather and smooth curves make these pieces a great spot to plop and watch "Marilyn Monroe: The Diamond Collection" by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (right). The six-video set features five of the actress's most popular films: "The Seven Year Itch," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "How to Marry a Millionaire," "There's No Business Like Show Business" and "Bus Stop" plus the debut of the documentary "Marilyn Monroe: the Final Days." The re-release on VHS (also available on DVD) is to commemorate Hollywood's most tragic temptress's birthday.
"[Hollywood] is a place they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul," Monroe once said. And make millions from the memories.
Call 1-88-MY-Couch for information on the Marilyn Monroe Intimate Allure Collection, 1-800-NOVA-WINE for the Merlot (which is available in some local State Stores) and check www.foxhome.com for information on the Diamond Collection. For general product and licensing information go to http://marilynmonroe.com/.
Selling Marilyn and using Marilyn to sell 
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