ALL THAT ZAZZ

By Mary N. DiZazzo

"I feel like I'm just getting started."

--Marilyn Monroe
(shortly before her death in August, 1962.)

Ciao bella,

I've had the pleasure of a few memorable experiences in my life that capture the essence of Marilyn Monroe. In October of 1999 I attended Christie's in New York where all her personal effects were auctioned off at exorbitant prices.

Most recently I took a trip to the Brooklyn Museum in New York to see "I Wanna Be Loved by You: Photographs of Marilyn Monroe." It was a captivating visual journey through 200 photographs by 39 photographers.

Her memory, more than ever, lives on. No one shall ever replace her. Marilyn Monroe remains unforgettable as an icon of the twentieth century. She lived her life believing that anything was possible. She was a modern woman before her time. Conscious of her incredible beauty and its effect on those around her, she understood the value of superficial appeal, even at the expense of her own dreams.

Long before Hollywood accepted powerful women, Marilyn demanded control of her image and fought the studio system. She started her own production company and impressively worked hard on each and every line of dialogue she spoke --making her notoriously late for the set.

Marilyn's library was outstanding. There were 400 titles collectively on vast subjects, showing her constant drive for personal improvement. Her persona transcended into celluloid eternity, becoming the embodiment of female erotic appeal. Marilyn was extraordinarily photogenic she loved the camera as much as it loved her.

"Marilyn had a totally charming way of boldly displaying her body and remaining elegant at that same time," said Oscar-winning costume designer, Jean Louis. He designed the historic "Happy Birthday" dress she wore when she sang, May 19, 1962, to President John F. Kennedy --as memorable a moment as Marilyn Monroe was herself.

Look for the smashing newly-written book, coming out in 2006 The Immortal Marilyn by Boston-area authors Frank Tropea and John DeVito.

Buona giornata.

--Mary


Have you missed any of Mary's columns in the Post-Gazette? Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns on her website www.mary4nails.com. She is a third-generation cosmetologist and owner of Mary for Nails, etc. natural nailcare salon in Andover, and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183. She also sees select clients by appointment in Boston at (617) 742-6881.