Lee unveils collection inspired by Marilyn Monroe

The imagery informs the capsule’s trims, labels, graphics and campaign creative, as well as a new interpretation of the Storm Rider jacket

Lee has launched the Lee x Marilyn Monroe Collection, a limited-edition capsule marking what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday and drawing on archival images of the actress wearing Lee’s Storm Rider jacket.

The collection takes inspiration from photographs taken by Eve Arnold on the set of Monroe’s final film. The imagery informs the capsule’s trims, labels, graphics and campaign creative, as well as a new interpretation of the Storm Rider jacket.

Lee draws on Marilyn Monroe archives

Vivian Rivetti, Vice President of Global Design, Lee: “The photos of Marilyn in the Storm Rider jacket have inspired Lee for decades. Her natural beauty and strength shine through as does the timelessness of denim. Our goal for this collection and campaign was to capture the essence of Marilyn’s aesthetic and the styles she made famous through a modern Lee lens. It’s a reimagining, not a replication and it will excite our consumers and her fans around the world.”

The capsule reflects shared themes of authenticity, individuality and enduring style, connecting Lee’s denim heritage with Monroe’s influence on film, fashion and popular culture.

Collection combines archival and contemporary designs

Dana Carpenter, Executive Vice President of Entertainment, Authentic Brands Group, owner of the Marilyn Monroe estate: “For a century, Marilyn Monroe’s influence has shaped film, fashion, and pop culture. The Lee x Marilyn Monroe collection thoughtfully celebrates her enduring style through iconic archival inspiration while introducing these timeless designs to a new generation of fans.”

The collection includes dresses, jeans, tops and outerwear. Bottoms are available in sizes 24 to 34, while other apparel ranges from XS to XL. Premium fabrics, exclusive trims, custom labels, signature lip embroidery and archival photography feature throughout the capsule.

Storm Rider anchors Marilyn Monroe capsule

The Storm Rider jacket serves as the collection’s centrepiece, drawing on the version worn by Monroe in photographs by Eve Arnold. It features a blanket lining in an exclusive palette, a custom Storm Rider label and hidden red lip embroidery.

Other pieces include a boyfriend button-down shirt with tonal lip embroidery, a coatigan inspired by a sweater worn by Monroe, and The Marilyn Jean, a high-rise straight-leg style with back darts and an interior label referencing the actress.

Collection reinterprets Monroe’s signature looks

The halter dress draws on one of Monroe’s best-known film looks and features an adjustable halter design, back smocking, a removable waist tie and side pockets. Tees and sweatshirts include striped styles and pieces featuring Eve Arnold’s archival photographs.

The capsule is positioned as a contemporary interpretation of Monroe’s wardrobe and cultural legacy, bringing archival references into Lee’s denim-focused collection.

www.lee.com

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